Immigrant activists rally on NM driver's licenses

SANTA FE, N.M. — Hundreds of immigrant advocates arrived at the Capitol on Tuesday to protest Gov. Susana Martinez's attempts to repeal a state law that allows illegal immigrants to get New Mexico driver's licenses.

A coalition of immigrant groups, religious organizations and student activists from across the state gathered at the Roundhouse then marched around the Capitol building in what has become a regular scene since Martinez took office last year.

They chanted slogans protesting Martinez and held signs that said "New Mexico is not Arizona" as advocates pressed the governor and state lawmakers to uphold law.

Others held paper plates with an image of Martinez taped on the front and a question mark in the back to highlight that state officials won't be able to keep track of some drivers on the road if the law is repealed, according to the activists.

Meanwhile, some children of immigrants brought to the rally wore shirts with the words: "My mother is an immigrant."

"We all need to get somewhere. I mean, we all need to drive," said Karina Burciaga, an 18-year-old college student who was brought to the U.S. illegally from Mexico as a small child. "It's essential for safer communities."

Jose Castro, 17, of Albuquerque, said the issues was not just a matter for illegal immigrants trying to get to work but also for some high school students who need a car to get to school. "I know a lot of people who need their licenses to drive to school," said Castro. "They want to follow the law."

After the rally, immigrant advocates and their allies went to lobby lawmakers.

New Mexico is one of three states — including Washington and Utah — where illegal immigrants can get a driver's license because no proof of citizenship is required.

But Martinez is pressing state lawmakers to repeal New Mexico's law, contending it's subject to fraud and the state has become a magnet for immigrants seeking a driver's license that can be used as identification elsewhere. During her State of the State speech last week, she urged lawmakers to vote on the repeal, citing polls that showed a majority of state residents supporting scrapping the law.

"This issue has been debated thoroughly," Martinez told lawmakers. "The desire of New Mexicans is clear. And it's time to vote to repeal this law."