NM House sticks with bill to take stop licensing undocumented immigrants

By Milan Simonich / Santa Fe Bureau
Posted: 03/15/2011 07:30:54 PM MDT

SANTA FE - The House of Representatives tonight rejected a Senate measure that would allow undocumented immigrants to continue obtaining New Mexico driver's licenses.

The vote was 40-30. It kept alive Rep. Andy Nunez's bill to stop people from being licensed unless they have proof of immigration status. Those in the country illegally or without proper documents would not receive licenses under Nunez's bill.

Next, senators will be asked again whether they can accept Nunez's bill.

The two measures are miles apart.

The Senate bill would allow undocumented immigrants to continue receiving driver's licenses. They would have to establish residency in New Mexico for six months and be fingerprinted, stricter rules than now exist.

If the two bodies are stalemated, the existing system would remain. Under a 2003 law, undocumented immigrants living in New Mexico can obtain driver's licenses for up to eight years.
New Mexico is one of three states that allows undocumented immigrants to receive driver's licenses. The others are Utah and Washington.

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_17619830