New Mexico’s LULAC Condemns AZ Law; Some LC Residents Favor It

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Boycotting and calling for national immigration reform.

It’s the position taken by New Mexico’s League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), who held the first forum on this issue in their state convention Friday in Las Cruces.

At the start of the convention, LULAC president Pablo Martinez unloaded on the new law which has the entire country talking.

“It’s an attack…they feel you have to look and be and eat a certain way to be considered an American – we didn’t cross the border…the border crossed us.”

LULAC says they’re pushing for an overhaul – not a Band-Aid solution – to immigration reform.

But some local residents say the new Arizona law will finally enforce citizenship.

Betty Martin, who supports the new Arizona immigration law, said, I don’t see anything wrong with asking someone for their identification.”

LULAC is boycotting all Arizona-based businesses who support the new immigration law, and is pushing for national reform.

“We’re encouraging businesses in Arizona to shut down their businesses and move to New Mexico – where it’s a friendly business environment state,” said Martinez.

“Come to New Mexico and come to Santa Fe and if you do, we promise we won’t check your papers,” said Marcela Diaz, director of the group “Somos Un Pueblo Unido”.

Arguing the law undermines the values our country’s founded on, treating people equally, but others say it’s about time people are held responsible for their citizenship.

“Without a green card, how can you legally say you can obtain all our services? You need the paperwork to do it,” said one Las Cruces resident who supports the new Arizona law.

“It’s each person’s responsibility to abide by the laws and get entry legally,” said Martin.

LULAC says under Arizona’s law, Hispanics will not come forward to help solve crimes if police officers double as immigration agents.

“They’re afraid of being deported – it means that much for them to be in this country,” said Martinez.

“I think it’s a good thing and that makes everybody feel, ‘hey, I belong here and I’m proud to prove it,” said Martin.