Staff report As the federal Real ID Act went into effect this week, concerns regarding privacy, discrimination and confusion have surfaced, particularly within immigrant communities, according to a press release from Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a New Mexico organization that “is actively working to protect the rights and dignity of undocumented immigrants in the face […]
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Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Quick Reads
Federal government extends Real ID requirements again
Those who need to update their driver’s licenses or identification cards before the REAL ID enforcement date have two more years to become compliant. The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, announced on Monday an extension to the REAL ID full enforcement date by two years to May 7, 2025. This means that states have […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Gov signed the REAL ID bill, so what’s next?
When state lawmakers last month passed a bill establishing a two-tier driver’s license system in New Mexico, many congratulated themselves for ending a years-long, contentious debate over driver’s licenses for immigrants who are in the country illegally. Gov. Susana Martinez made similar remarks on Tuesday when she signed the legislation, which will go into effect […]
Posted inNM Legislature, Quick Reads
Feds give NM REAL ID extension
New Mexico received an extension on a waiver that will allow the state to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security gave the extension to the state on Friday after the state legislature approved a bill that would bring New Mexico into compliance with the controversial federal law while […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., NM Legislature, Quick Reads
Guv asks for Real ID waiver
Following passage of a bill during the recent legislative session to meet requirements of the federal Real ID Act, Gov. Susana Martinez has since applied for a waiver from the federal law. The Associated Press reports that Martinez formally requested a waiver for New Mexico from federal Homeland Security Department Deputy Secretary Alejando Mayorkas. Martinez […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Finish line in sight: REAL ID compromise passes committee
A long-running debate over a controversial issue looks like it is near an end. The Senate Finance Committee on Friday night unanimously passed legislation related to driver’s licenses for immigrants who are in the country illegally. The legislation would put New Mexico in line with the federal REAL ID Act while allowing those who are […]
Posted inNM Legislature, Quick Reads
REAL ID/driver’s license liveblog
The discussion in Senate Public Affairs Committee on five pieces of legislation related to REAL ID promises to be one of the more interesting discussions this legislative session and we will be liveblogging the whole thing today. The committee will look at legislation to put New Mexico in line with the federal REAL ID Act and […]
Posted inCommentary
Leave driver’s licenses alone; issue an optional REAL ID card
Pete Campos is a Democrat who represents Senate District 8. Lost amid the confusion, frustration and posturing regarding the federal government’s mandates for state driver’s licenses is an obvious solution: create a REAL ID card for those New Mexicans who want it and who qualify for it and keep the debate over driver’s licenses for […]
Posted inNM Legislature, Quick Reads
DHS can still delay REAL ID implementation—if Gov, Legislature find agreement
The Department of Homeland Security says that if the governor and State Legislature can agree on a fix state drivers licenses to comply with REAL ID, the federal government will grant a waiver for implementation. That is from a news release from the four Democratic members of the congressional delegation and comes after months of […]
Posted inNM Legislature, Quick Reads
Dems go on attack over REAL ID
Senate Democratic leaders accused the governor’s office of spreading misinformation on the REAL ID Act even as they announced their plan to comply with the federal identification law. The Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, made the announcement on Tuesday and included audio of what they said was a phone call made to the […]