SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Ever since taking office last year, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has found her family tree scrutinized over whether her grandfather was an illegal immigrant.
Immigration documents obtained by The Associated Press, however, reveal a fact not even the nation's first Hispanic female governor herself knew.
Her Mexican-born grandfather was lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a permanent resident and later became a citizen in 1942.
Martinez was surprised to learn about the citizenship, but maintained that his status, citizen or not, didn't affect her political views. The native of El Paso, Texas, says: "I embrace lawful immigration."
Some in political circles said the questions could have emerged as a trouble spot for an otherwise potentially attractive vice presidential pick for Mitt Romney.
___
Follow Barry Massey on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bmasseyAP
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.