Governor: Immigrant licenses in special session

Alamogordo Daily News
By The Associated Press
Posted: 05/16/2011 10:27:53 PM MDT


SANTA FE - Gov. Susana Martinez plans to ask a special session of the Legislature to stop New Mexico from issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

The Republican governor said Monday she will put the politically charged issue on the agenda of a special session this fall when lawmakers are to consider redistricting plans.

The governor pushed unsuccessfully to end the immigrant licensing policy during the Legislature's 60-day session, which ended in March. The House approved her proposal but it failed in the Senate.

A 2003 law enacted during former Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson's administration allows driver's licenses to be issued to foreign nationals, including illegal immigrants.

Martinez also said her administration wants charges brought against an Albuquerque notary for allegedly forging documents for immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

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