Some Fear Illegal Immigrants Obtaining Driver’s Licenses Will Influence New Mexico Elections

More unlicensed and uninsured drivers.

A Las Cruces insurance agent said it is a possibility she fears with the upcoming November Election.

?As long as they have a driver?s license and they have insurance, it doesn?t matter where they?re from,? Insurance Agent Patti Bell said.

At the Motor Vehicle Division in Las Cruces, anyone can walk inside and obtain a driver?s license without proving citizenship.

“Everybody should have insurance in this country and a license to drive,” one motorist said.

But others said they are frustrated with New Mexico policy.

?They should be U.S. citizens first, and then get their license,? a motorist said.

?For them just to jump in ahead of skipping laws and procedures that’s not right,” another said.

Bell said, having more licensed drivers, regardless of citizenship, is the only way to hold motorists financially responsible in the event of a crash.

Bell said a driver?s license also is the easiest way for drivers to purchase insurance. And some motorists agreed.

?Not everybody that’s illegal are bad people,? a motorist said. ?And I think it’s a good idea to give them just for their safety when they’re driving.”

Under Governor Bill Richardson, it has been New Mexico state law undocumented immigrants can obtain a valid driver?s license just like any other U.S. citizen.

According to the website ImmigrantConnect.org, New Mexico is one of five states with this policy ? others include, Utah, Washington, Hawaii, and Maryland.

If illegal immigrants cannot obtain a license, most will simply drive without it, Bell said.

“And I just don?t think that’s right,? Bell said. ?They need to have the opportunity to buy insurance; so therefore, we need to have it set where they can.”

But this fall, there?s a chance the law could change.

Campaign Manager Ryan Cangiolosi issued this statement on behalf of Gubernatorial Candidate Susana Martinez: ?Susana Martinez is the only gubernatorial candidate who has dealt with border security first-hand as the 3rd Judicial District Attorney, and is the only gubernatorial candidate who will fight to revoke the tens of thousands of existing licenses issued to illegal immigrants in New Mexico and repeal the law that provided them in the first place.?

Calls from our New Mexico Mobile Newsroom to the Diane Denish campaign headquarters were not returned for comment.