firststone2012

If that bill wins final approval and the governor’s signature, it will create a two-tiered system in which licenses power balance yellow issued to people without proof of legal residence will be distinctively marked. According to license authorities, about 83,000 illegal immigrants are driving in New Mexico. Ms. Martinez vowed to continue to fight for the repeal, although this is the final week of the legislative session. She called the current law “dangerous” and accused Democrats of “partisan political gamesmanship” for blocking its repeal. Marcela Díaz, executive director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a group that led the license fight, said, “It’s a good sign that we will be able to maintain licenses for folks who are living, working and paying taxes in our state, regardless of their immigration status.” But, she said, “We don’t take anything for granted.” In Washington State, the debate over driver’s license rules polarized a state that has coach outlet store been relatively tolerant of illegal immigrants, an important part of the work force that picks apples. Several Democrats joined Republicans in supporting a repeal of the license law. State fiscal authorities estimated that the repeal would cost about $1.5 million a year in new verification technology and monitoring expenses. That swayed some budget-minded lawmakers, and the bill was killed Monday. “We saw tremendous momentum against us,” said Pramila Jayapal, executive power balance black director of OneAmerica, an immigrant advocate group. “But there was a realization that the debate was very divisive, and it was not going to solve the immigration problem.”