By Kai Porter | KOB
Some lawmakers in New Mexico want to allow undocumented immigrants to be able to obtain occupational or professional licenses.
Supporters say the bill would help fill shortages in professions that require licenses – like doctors.
“I went to medical school to treat New Mexican families,” said Yazmin Irazoqui-Ruiz, who graduates from UNM in May. “I’m also a native Spanish speaker and I want to treat people in Spanish if it calls for it.”
Under current New Mexico law, Irazoqui-Ruiz won’t be allowed to get her medical license in New Mexico because she is an undocumented immigrant.
“I’m a DACA recipient – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” she said. “I know some people are very familiar with it because there’s been a lot of media about it. DACA gives me a two year work permit and two years will be exactly what it’s called deferred action from deportation it does give me lawful status.”
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