License Access in New Mexico Is Heated Issue

The New York Times ^ | August 23, 2011 | MARC LACEY

[moonshinner_09]

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico is one of just two states, the other being Washington, that allow in-state residents who are illegal immigrants to get the same driver’s licenses given to citizens, as long as they pass a written test and successfully show they can turn and stop and park. But critics, led by the newly elected governor, Susana Martinez, say that the lenient licensing law attracts illegal immigrants from far and wide who fraudulently claim they live in New Mexico in order to get identification cards that allow them to settle into American life.

“We don’t have any idea what kind of individuals we are giving these licenses to,” Ms. Martinez said in an interview, suggesting that other states may also be adversely affected by New Mexico’s approach.

No issue is more heated in New Mexico these days than that of driver’s licenses. There are street protests and angry debates over the airwaves. Lawyers will soon be clashing over the question in court.

[moonshinner_09]

Here is the interesting part...The extent to which the policy has worked is in dispute as data show that New Mexico continues to have one of the largest percentages of uninsured motorists in the country. Futher into story Mr. Ortiz y Pino said revoking licenses for illegal immigrants would end up prompting more people to live in the shadows.

Living the shadows by There are street protests and angry debates over the airwaves.“How will I take my children to school?” asked Luz, who did not want her full name used given the continuing debate. “How can I go to Wal-Mart to get medicine? If you take away our licenses, you take away our lives.”

This is not our problems, you want a country with no laws return to home countries.

[Puppage]

But critics, led by the newly elected governor, Susana Martinez, say that the lenient licensing law attracts illegal immigrants from far and wide who fraudulently claim they live in New Mexico in order to get identification cards that allow them to settle into American life.

Really? Ya think?

[beaversmom]

How will I take my children to school?” asked Luz, who did not want her full name used given the continuing debate. “How can I go to Wal-Mart to get medicine? If you take away our licenses, you take away our lives.”

They got into the country without a New Mexico license. They'll either drive illegally which they do anyway without insurance or they'll have to ride a bike or take a bus. They'll come up with something.

[ronnyquest]

"...allow in-state residents who are illegal immigrants to get the same driver’s licenses given to citizens..."

I stopped reading right there. Why is there a debate, again?

[Uri’el-2012]

Mr. Ortiz y Pino said revoking licenses for illegal immigrants Aliens would end up prompting more people to live in the shadows.

Criminals always live in the shadows.

[Tijeras_Slim]

BS, if there's protests it's a 20 person SWOP (Local ACORN clone) chant fest in Santa Fe. As far as the airwaves are concerned, it's a fact that 70% of the population are against these licenses.

Typical NY Slimes spin.

[Uri’el-2012]

I just got a NM Driver License.

Original state issued Birth Certificate
and original SS card plus
two proofs of utilities at address.

or a MATRICULA CONSULAR MEXICANA

But I'm anglo from Colorado.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Well, there’s your problem... ;)

[Uri’el-2012]

LOL

:-)

[ssapro]

I lived in Albuquerque for about three years and I’ve seen many illegal aliens come from other states to get a driver license. All they had to show was their passport and a phony address in NM.

[CodeToad]

“MATRICULA CONSULAR MEXICANA”

Well, then, that’s what we ALL need to do. That settles it for me. I’ll fly down there next week and become, “Enrico Rodreguez”.

[jmacusa]

HEY AMERICA! WAKE THE F UP!!!! WHAT ARE WE DOING!?! THEY”RE HERE ILLEGALLY DAMNIT!!!(sorry for shouting).

[CedarDave]

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