Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallin announced this week her support and co-sponsorship of the Fence by Date Certain Act, Oklahoma ’s Tulsa World reports.  The bill, HR 4987, requires over 700 miles of double-layered fence to be built along border spots in California , Arizona , New Mexico , and Texas .  The bill also seeks to ensure that sufficient funds are required for the fence and mandates its completion by June 30, 2009.   

"The endless flow of illegal immigrants across our southern border is a threat to our national security, our economy and our culture," Fallin said in a statement.  "The American people understand this, even if our leaders in Congress do not."   

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A statewide comprehensive immigration bill is expected to reach the South Carolina House floor in the next few weeks after lawmakers discussed the bill and added amendments.  Columbia , S.C. ’s The State reports that during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, state lawmakers made the final additions to the bill, which echoes many sentiments covered in similar state bills in the past year. Specifically the bill would require employers to check the legal status of their employees, bar undocumented adults from public assistance (including public schooling and non-emergency medical treatment), and prohibit attendance to public colleges.  

Gov. Mark Sanford is backing the bill because it allows local governments to pass more strict immigration rules.  Members of South Carolina Minutemen, a volunteer group that seeks to crack down on undocumented immigration in the state, say they’re pleased with the House proposal.  "We wanted something we could actually get through," said the group’s spokesman.  "This is pretty much what we can get."