Story perspectives

Oklahoma Governor Advocates State Control Over Immigration Policy

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt calls for state-level control of immigration.
He says undocumented workers significantly support construction and agriculture.
Stitt argues the federal government should not monopolize immigration policy.
States should lead in creating solutions, according to him.
GOP strategists view U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union as pivotal for immigration messaging ahead of elections.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson–Reed Act, established strict quotas that drastically reduced immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe, limiting annual entries to 150,000. This legislation reflected growing nativist sentiments and aimed to preserve U.S. ethnic homogeneity. Governor Kevin Stitt's recent call for state-level immigration control highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authority over immigration policy.

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Story summary

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt calls for state-level control of immigration.
He says undocumented workers significantly support construction and agriculture.
Stitt argues the federal government should not monopolize immigration policy.
States should lead in creating solutions, according to him.
GOP strategists view U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union as pivotal for immigration messaging ahead of elections.

1 / 2