Bill barring licenses for undocumented immigrants defeated in NM senate

By Milan Simonich / Santa Fe Bureau
Posted: 03/09/2011 09:52:50 PM MST

SANTA FE - State senators tonight voted 24-17 against a bill that would have barred undocumented immigrants from obtaining New Mexico driver's licenses.

All of those voting against the bill were Democrats. They closed ranks to stop a measure that won approval last week in the House of Representatives.

Fifteen Republicans and two Democrats supported the bill. The Democrats who broke ranks to oppose licenses for undocumented immigrants were John Arthur Smith of Deming and Tim Eichenberg of Albuquerque.

A majority of Democratic senators are pushing for a different bill. It would still enables undocumented immigrants to receive driver's licenses, but would require renewal every two years.

More amendments have just been proposed by Sen. Tim Jennings, D-Roswell. Among other changes, he wants fingerprinting of undocumented applicants for licenses. Jennings also wants to require six months' residency in New Mexico to get a license.
Monitor this website for updates.

Santa Fe Bureau Chief Milan Simonich can be reached at msimonich@-tnmnp.com or 505-820-6898. His blog is at nmcapitolreport.com.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_17574749