How did they become citizens while not able to speak any English? Hmmm? Why is this allowed.
I’m not expecting Strunk’s Guide to Style quality English, but a working knowledge of the language.
They were born here, either descendants of original Spanish settlers (residents of lots of areas in northern NM speak Spanish but most now are bi-lingual) or as anchor babies who have grown up with just a passing knowledge of English. In my recollection most are women who stay in the home or don't work in areas requiring English proficiency.