Governor: No special session on REAL ID in New Mexico

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez’s office says she won’t call a special legislative session to fix the state’s noncompliance with the federal REAL ID Act.

Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan says the governor has already tried five times to repeal a New Mexico law that gives driver’s licenses to immigrants regardless of legal status. However, Lonergan says Senate Democrats have blocked those bipartisan attempts.

The governor is expected to put the issue on the agenda – again – for next session.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently denied New Mexico an extension from tougher federal requirements on state driver’s licenses.

The decision means New Mexico driver’s licenses and IDs won’t be valid for federal purposes, including, eventually, boarding commercial aircraft next year.

Oct. 28, 2015 Story:

The federal government has denied New Mexico an extension from tougher federal requirements for state driver’s licenses and ID cards.

The decision means New Mexico driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted at federal facilities like Kirtland Air Force Base starting Jan. 10.

And eventually, state IDs won’t be allowed to board commercial flights.

The letter from the Department of Homeland Security, obtained by The Associated Press, was sent last week to the state Department of Taxation officials about the decision.

REAL ID Act requirements require proof of legal U.S. residency for holders who want to use them to access certain areas of federal buildings.

New Mexico state law allows immigrants suspected of being in the country illegal to obtain driver’s licenses.

Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has tried to get the state law repealed.

Demesia Padilla, New Mexico Cabinet Secretary of Taxation and Finance, released the following statement:

“With this letter, the Feds are saying that they are fed up that the Legislature continues to allow the dangerous practice of giving driver’s licenses illegal immigrants. An overwhelming majority of New Mexicans have been very clear on this issue, and the Legislature should start listening to them before it begins to affect the daily lives of New Mexicans.”