New Mexico Catholic Bishops say they are praying for state lawmakers to come to an agreement on a "fair" two-tier compromise regarding New Mexico driver's licenses.
The bishops said in a statement Monday they hoped a proposed compromise will continue to allow immigrants suspected of being in the illegally to obtain licenses and make the state compliant under the federal REAL ID act.
State lawmakers are expected in January to begin work on revising a state law that grants New Mexico driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of status.
The move follows a decision by the federal government to deny New Mexico an extension from imposing tougher federal requirements on state driver's licenses.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Marsha Catron says a decision on commercial air travel will be announced by the end of the year.
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