Immigrants and their supporters are urging lawmakers to oppose Republican Gov. Susana Martinez efforts to scrap New Mexico's law allowing drivers licenses for immigrants living in the country illegally.
Members of the immigrant rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido delivered petitions to lawmakers and the governor on Wednesday.
The governor's license proposal has failed in the Democratic-controlled Legislature since Martinez took office in 2011.
A growing number of other states, including Illinois, Nevada, and California have enacted laws to grant immigrants the privilege to drive.
Oil field worker Angel Escarcega of Lovington said at a news conference that he and other immigrant workers need driver's licenses for their jobs.
Hagerman restaurant owner Leticia Mendoza said the governor and legislators should focus on creating jobs rather than the driver's license issue.
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