Hundreds of Oklahomans Share Immigration Concerns in Letters to Gov. Stitt

Faith leaders and grassroots groups deliver letters to governor, discuss immigration policy

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:55am

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More than 650 Oklahomans shared their concerns about immigration and immigration enforcement in letters that two grassroots coalitions hand delivered to Gov. Kevin Stitt. Leaders with VOICE-OKC and ACTION Tulsa met with Stitt at the state Capitol to discuss ongoing concerns and deliver letters from several Oklahoma faith leaders.

Why it matters

The letter-writing campaign and meeting with the governor highlighted the importance of immigration as a key issue for many Oklahomans, including faith leaders from various Christian denominations. The discussion focused on concerns about the impact of immigration enforcement on immigrant families, businesses, and houses of worship.

The details

The letters thanked Stitt for opposing a proposal by former state Superintendent Ryan Walters to collect information on school students' immigration status. The groups also discussed how immigrants contribute to Oklahoma's economy and called on Stitt to work with elected officials to protect immigrant workers and oppose measures that discourage immigrant labor. The groups asked Stitt to endorse the bipartisan Dignity Act, which aims to secure the border, provide a legal pathway for undocumented immigrants, and address labor shortages.

  • The letter-writing campaign stemmed from civic academy sessions held by ACTION Tulsa from summer to October 2025.
  • The groups met with Stitt at the state Capitol in January 2026 to deliver the letters and discuss their concerns.

The players

Voices Organized in Civic Engagement-Oklahoma City (VOICE-OKC)

A grassroots coalition that co-led the letter-writing campaign and met with Gov. Stitt.

Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION Tulsa)

A grassroots coalition that co-led the letter-writing campaign and met with Gov. Stitt.

Gov. Kevin Stitt

The governor of Oklahoma who received the letters and met with the grassroots groups.

Ryan Walters

The former state Superintendent of Oklahoma who proposed collecting information on school students' immigration status, a proposal that was opposed by the grassroots groups.

Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley

The archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, one of the faith leaders who signed a letter to Gov. Stitt.

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What they’re saying

“Every child should feel safe attending school and should know that there personal information will not be used against them.”

— Gov. Kevin Stitt (Letter to grassroots groups)

“I believe we can enforce the law while also treating every person with fairness, respect and kindness.”

— Gov. Kevin Stitt (Letter to grassroots groups)

What’s next

The groups asked Gov. Stitt to endorse the bipartisan Dignity Act, which has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and aims to secure the border, provide a legal pathway for undocumented immigrants, and address labor shortages.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the deep concerns many Oklahomans, including faith leaders, have about immigration policy and its impact on immigrant families, businesses, and communities. It underscores the need for compassionate and moderate solutions that balance enforcement of immigration laws with respect and support for immigrant contributions to the state.