New Mexico renewing fight over immigrant licenses

As other states move to provide driver’s licenses to immigrants unlawfully in the country, New Mexico is renewing a debate over Republican Gov. Susana Martinez’s proposal to stop granting licenses to illegal immigrants.

A House committee on Tuesday gives the first airing to the governor’s proposal in the 60-day legislative session. Similar measures have died in the Democratic-controlled Legislature since Martinez took office in 2011.

The governor backs a measure by Republican Rep. Paul Pacheco of Albuquerque that would stop New Mexico from issuing any more licenses to illegal immigrants.

Driver’s licenses have been granted since 2003 to people without Social Security numbers, a group of foreign nationals that includes illegal immigrants.

Illinois has enacted a law to allow illegal immigrants to receive a temporary driver’s license.