NM weighs response to new immigration rule
SANTA FE — Top executives under Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are exploring how to respond to a new Trump administration rule that targets legal immigrants who either receive public benefits or are deemed likely to in the future.
Under the new rule, set to take effect Oct. 15, the federal government will weigh whether someone has received public assistance — or is likely to — when considering their application for a green card, or legal permanent status.
Lujan Grisham said the administration is targeting immigrants out of spite, even if they entered the country legally.
“It’s unconscionable and cruel,” she said. “We must explore every available avenue for fighting this rule.”
In New Mexico, more than 77,000 children who are U.S. citizens live with at least one immigrant parent and are in a family that receives basic food assistance, according to the state Human Services Department.
Human Services Secretary David Scrase said the new federal rule will force “poor immigrant families to make difficult choices: Either accept lifesaving medical and needed food assistance or forgo vital services to keep their family together.”
The Trump administration contends the new rules will ensure immigrants are self-sufficient and won’t rely on the welfare system.
GUN LAW CHALLENGE: A lawsuit challenging two of New Mexico’s gun laws is now on its third judge.
The most recent excusal came when Attorney General Hector Balderas’ office — which is defending the state — bumped state District Judge Matt Chandler from the case.
Chandler is a former Republican attorney general candidate. He lost to Democrat Gary King in 2010.
Earlier, the plaintiffs had used their own challenge to excuse Judge David Peter Reeb.
In New Mexico, each side in a case is typically permitted to challenge one judge without cause or explanation.
The lawsuit is now assigned to Judge Fred Van Soelen.
A conservative coalition filed the suit last month in Curry County, accusing state officials of illegally blocking their right to petition for the repeal of 10 bills passed in this year’s legislative session.
The New Mexico Patriots Advocacy Coalition is also challenging the constitutionality of two of the state’s new gun laws — one requiring background checks before gun sales, the other prohibiting gun possession by someone convicted of domestic abuse or stalking.
Blair Dunn, a former Libertarian candidate for attorney general, is representing the plaintiffs.
A spokesman for the state Attorney General’s Office has described the litigation as “frivolous.”