“Repeal of the current driver license law would detract from limited state resources at a time of economic crisis. We want our law enforcement and court resources focused on the apprehension of dangerous criminals, rather than on the detention of normally hard-working immigrants….the Roman Catholic Bishops of New Mexico endorse state-enacted policies that would permit migrants to become full members of their communities and our nation.”

“It is necessary to preserve these licenses for immigrant victims of domestic violence. Without a government issued ID, victims are often unwilling to report domestic violence crimes and have trouble getting protection orders against their abusers. Victims also need transportation to escape their abusers as well as to promote their financial independence.”

“Our prosecutors, defense and immigration attorneys, law enforcement officials, and business owners need to be able to locate witnesses, criminals, victims, clients and customers.  Our current law allows us to do that in New Mexico.”

“Having a de facto class of illegal drivers--all that does is ensure that they don’t get insurance, they don’t have their cars registered to them, and they aren’t responsible when they get in a traffic accident.”

“The League of Women Voters supports New Mexico's driver's license policy because it provides immigrants with proper identification and preserves public safety. We hope lawmakers focus less on the political rhetoric and consider the practical benefits of the policy.”

“By not requiring immigrant drivers to be licensed, the state will lose one of its most effective DWI enforcement mechanisms. Law enforcement relies on licenses to track offenders and sentence compliance, including the interlock requirement. Repealing the current law will exempt tens of thousands of drivers from these requirements.”

“Before the driver’s license law went into effect, we were having difficulties identifying undocumented immigrants. This measure has allowed us to prove the identity of motorists, suspects and witnesses. Since 2003, my department has seen a reduction in uninsured motorists, crashes and pursuits, and we’ve also seen a drastic reduction in hit and run accidents.There’s also been more follow-through in court when we issue citations to motorists.”