Round Up From The Roundhouse: Driver’s License Deal Reached

It only took years and years but,  New Mexico Legislators have finally passed compromise legislation to bring the state into compliance with federal law and end the practice of issuing driver’s licenses to those who are here illegally. Lt. Governor John Sanchez posted this statement on his Facebook page: After years of heated debate, we have finally passed compromise legislation to bring New Mexico into compliance with federal law and end the practice of issuing driver’s licenses to those who are here illegally. As we have stated for years, U.S. citizens should not have to purchase passports to gain access to federal facilities or to board a plane. Under the provisions of the amended House Bill 99, which passed the Senate this evening, New Mexicans will finally be able to receive secure, federally compliant driver’s licenses. Those who are here illegally, on the other hand, will only be able to apply for a “driving authorization card” which will not serve as a federally acceptable form of identification. I want to commend the House and Senate for working with the Executive to reach this compromise agreement so we can move on to other pressing matters during the final days of this Legislative Session.  ……Driver’s License Compromise Reached