Foreign Nationals Worry ID Proof for Driver's License Could Mean Deportation

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez is hit with criticism and concern after Las Cruces became the second location for foreign nationals to verify their residency with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Albuquerque was the first city to hold the certifications.

Ten thousand of 80,000 foreign nationals who have registered for a New Mexico driver's license were chosen at random to prove their identity and residency status.They received a letter in the mail indicating that they have 30 days to comply with the order or their license can be suspended.

But some foreign nationals say they're not worried about losing their driver's license, but rather, they're concerned they could be kicked out of the country.

One Anthony woman, who did not want to be identified, said the law discriminates against hardworking residents and threatens them with deportation.

"This is my fear, that something would happen as soon as I get there," she said. "I fear that if I present the papers then they're still going to reject them and ask for something else."

The governor's office, however, said ICE and border patrol will not be involved. They said no one from the D-M-V will turn someone in based on immigration status. They say the purpose of the order is to ensure saftey within the state.

New Mexico is one of two states that offers full valid drivers' license without proof of citizenship. Governor Martinez tried to repeal the law last year but was unsuccesful.

“The fraud and abuse related to New Mexico’s drivers' license will not go away until the irresponsible law that grants driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants is repealed,” Governor Martinez said. “But in the meantime, we owe it to New Mexicans to identify driver’s licenses that are being used improperly and cancel them.”