New Mexico is now only one signature away from sealing the compromise that would make the state's driver's licenses compliant with federal REAL ID requirements to be accepted as valid identification at airports and other secure federal facilities.
After receiving a 65-1 vote at New Mexico's House of Representatives, House Bill 99 only needs Governor Susana Martinez's signature to take effect.
According to the Sante Fe New Mexican the bill establishes a two-tier system for acquiring driving permits. Under House Bill 99, U.S. citizens and legal immigrants can choose to apply for a driver's license that is compliant with the Real ID Act. Undocumented immigrants and those who do not want a Real ID-compliant license can apply for a non-Real ID-compliant driving authorization.
The difference between a driving permit that is compliant and one that is not is that the latter is recognized as a valid identification by federal agencies. It can be used to gain access to secure federal facilities and for verification when boarding a commercial plane.
ABC News reported the bill also requires undocumented immigrants to submit their fingerprints to the state's Motor Vehicle Division for a criminal background check before they can get new driving authorization cards. Immigrants who already hold driver's licenses are no longer covered by the fingerprint requirement.
New Mexico legislators were prompted to lobby a bill that would impose compliance with the Real ID Act after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security enforced stricter regulations against driver's licenses issued by the state.
Rep. Paul Pacheco of Albuquerque expressed confidence that the bill would promote public safety in New Mexico and throughout the country.
"[House Bill 99] ensures that New Mexico will no longer be a magnet for fraud rings that peddle and sell driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants from all over the world," Pacheco stated.
The passage of the bill is the result of a five-year debate on whether undocumented immigrants should still be granted driver's licenses.
House Bill 99 is seen as a victory to immigrant advocacy groups since it guarantees that immigrant families will not be deprived of their driving privileges.
