Advocates say they will give up the right for immigrants living in the country illegally to obtain New Mexico driver's licenses to achieve a REAL ID compromise.
Immigrant rights groups say they can live with a bipartisan proposal that instead would allow those immigrants and other residents to get "driver's authorization card." Marcela Diaz, executive director of Santa Fe-based advocacy group Somos Un Pueblo Unido, says she doesn't believe that bill singles out or discriminates against immigrants.
However, passage may hinge on whether those immigrants will be required to submit fingerprints for background checks before getting cards.
House Majority Leader Nate Gentry said without the fingerprint requirements the revamped bill won't pass the GOP-controlled House. Gov. Susana Martinez also promised to veto any measure without the fingerprint provision.
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