Richardson directs Human Rights Division to help New Mexicans worried about AZ travel
Gov. Bill Richardson has directed the New Mexico Human Rights Division to assist any New Mexicans who are worried about traveling to Arizona in light of the controversial, recently-signed immigration law. The office could help New Mexicans by “giving them the information they need to protect themselves from unlawful detentions and investigations, assisting them in any legal action should they be unlawfully detained or investigated, and referring them to individuals and foundations, both private and charitable, that are willing to help.”
The Arizona law allows state police officers in Arizona to ask anyone for their legal status based on a “reasonable suspicion” that they may be in the country illegally.
There is concern among New Mexicans because New Mexicans are not required to prove their citizenship before being issued drivers licenses. This means that New Mexico drivers licenses are not sufficient to prove citizenship in Arizona with the new law.