ALBUQUERQUE - Churches and religious groups opposing the governor's renewed push to repeal a law allowing illegal immigrants to get driver's licenses say their actions are part of a larger and growing advocacy effort aimed at promoting immigration reform on moral grounds.
Organizations like the New Mexico Catholic Conference of Bishops and the Albuquerque Interfaith were among those in Santa Fe this week to protest Gov. Susana Martinez's efforts to rescind the state law. They argue the measure helps one of the state's most vulnerable populations.
For months, these coalitions of interfaith groups have called on their members to attend rallies in New Mexico's capital city.
Leaders have written letters and opinion pieces in newspapers. Members have organized vigils outside city halls as councilors debate resolutions in favor of the repeal. And they've all encouraged immigrants, regardless of status, to make the political debate a moral one.
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"We draw our inspiration from scripture," said Nancy Phillips, a member of the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice.
"The Hebrew prophets in the Old Testament said if you wanted to get right with God, you have to help the poor, you have to help the stranger," Phillips said. "That's what we're doing."
Allen Sanchez, executive director of the New Mexico Catholic Conference of Bishops, said the bishops usually shy away from political activity. "But on this issue, they feel they have no choice," Sanchez said. "And when they jump in, they jump in."
Martinez, fulfilling a 2010 campaign promise, is pressuring the Legislature to end New Mexico's policy of granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Lawmakers rejected the plan earlier this year, but the Republican governor wants them to tackle the measure during the special session on redistricting.
Martinez and other critics of the law contend it jeopardizes public safety and attracts illegal immigrants who fraudulently claim to live in the state only to get ID cards.
But immigrant advocates say the law allows more drivers to be insured in the state and helps law enforcement obtain needed safety data. Religious leaders say repealing the law now is cruel and would create fear among those living illegally in the country.
On StarNet: Find extensive coverage of immigration issues at azstarnet.com/border
