Somos Un Pueblo Unido   1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B Sante Fe, NM 87507 (505) 424-7832 somos@rt66.com

El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos   1701 Broadway SE Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 246-1627 rlazar_elcentro@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2006
Contact:
        Marcela Díaz - Somos Un Pueblo Unido
        Rachel LaZar - El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos

On February 21, 2006, New Mexico immigrants’ rights groups Somos Un Pueblo Unido (Santa Fe) and El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos (Albuquerque) issued a statement responding to a press released issued by Governor Bill Richardson ordering new regulations for driver’s licenses.

The joint statement declared:

"We are not opposed to the state implementing measures that strengthen its driver’s license regulations as long as they are not discriminatory against applicants based on national origin and as long as they do not impose severe obstacles for immigrants. Because it has improved public safety for all people living in New Mexico, there continues to exist widespread community and law enforcement support for the current driver’s license program. The Governor’s proposed regulations do not appear to undermine the ability of immigrants to obtain licenses. They would only require a new combination of acceptable identity documents that balances out the standards for everyone. We are pleased that the state continues to recognize the importance of issuing licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status."