"I’d be going to live there if I had won last night,” the 21-year-old Oklahoma State University junior said. Instead, Woolard is on her way to New York to discuss what some say cost her the crown — her response to a question about Arizona’s new immigration law.

"I was asked the most controversial question of the night,” she said. "It caused a stir because it’s one of the most hot-button issues in our country today.”

There was no way to answer the question and not alienate some groups, Woolard said. The Oklahoma City native and aspiring sports journalist lost to 24-year-old Rima Fakih, of Michigan, during Sunday night’s pageant.

Television actor Oscar Nunez asked Woolard if a law such as Arizona’s should come from the state or federal government. Arizona’s law allows law enforcement authorities to check the immigration status of individuals thought to be in the country illegally. Opponents say it will lead to racial profiling. Supporters say the law prohibits racial profiling.

"I’m a huge believer in states’ rights,” Woolard answered. "I think that’s what’s so wonderful about America. So I think it’s perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law. And I’m against illegal immigration, but I’m also against racial profiling, so I see both sides in this issue.”

A day after giving the answer, Woolard said she wouldn’t change it. She said her question was the most difficult one of the evening and on a different scale than those posed to other contestants.

"But I’m not disappointed. I’m not upset and I wasn’t nervous or regretting it,” she said. "You can take those stances while being diplomatic.”

Woolard fielded phone calls from talent scouts and news reporters all day Monday. She will make appearances on Fox News today to talk about the pageant and her views on immigration, she said.

Woolard said she isn’t familiar with her own state’s attempts to address illegal immigration. House Bill 1804 passed the Oklahoma Legislature in 2007 and until Arizona’s law passed was considered the most stringent anti-illegal immigration law in the country.

Washington has all but ignored the issue, she said.

"I support them taking this on,” she said of Arizona’s lawmakers. "I also don’t believe in racial profiling, and I think a lot of people want to come here to escape the drug cartels.”

She said she has always held a deep respect for other cultures but thinks there are right and wrong ways to enter the country.

"The right way is to become an American citizen and pay your taxes,” Woolard said.