Compromise in eye of beholder

Here’s how Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “compromise”: “a settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions.”

The question is whether so-called compromise legislation backed by Gov. Susana Martinez and others on the issue of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants is really a compromise.

Here’s what Martinez said a month ago on the driver’s license issue:

“I’ve made a commitment that I will cross the aisle and see where we can come together on a compromise that satisfies public safety.”

The governor said she preferred a full repeal of the licenses but would consider legislation to create a driver’s permit for illegal immigrants if the permit couldn’t be used for identification or to get a driver’s license in another state.

Martinez’s comments were noteworthy because she had previously said she wasn’t interested in compromise, despite the Legislature’s rejection of license repeal legislation three times since the governor took office.

It seemed Martinez might have come to the conclusion that half a loaf is better than no bread as she prepares to seek re-election next year to another four-year term.

Also, it appeared the governor, who has said illegal immigrants should be required to leave the country, could be adopting a kinder, gentler approach on immigration issues as she prepares to travel the country as a Republican recruiter of Hispanic candidates.

Under a state law enacted in 2003, foreign nationals living in New Mexico can obtain driver’s licenses regardless of whether they have lawful immigration status.

At the time that the governor made her comments about a possible compromise, she was backing a bill that would require foreign nationals to be legally in the United States to obtain driver’s licenses.

Then came the legislation that Martinez and others describe as a compromise.

Under that legislation, just like the original bill, foreign nationals would have to be legally in the United States to obtain driver’s licenses.

Illegal immigrants who were brought to this country as children and have had their deportations deferred by the federal government would get a special license. Those immigrants are considered to be legally in the United States and are eligible for work permits and Social Security numbers.

The licenses for the illegal immigrants who have deferred deportations wouldn’t comply with federal Real ID standards, while all the other licenses would. Or at least that’s the goal of the bill.

The legislation doesn’t include any concessions by Martinez, such as a driver’s permit, that would allow immigrants here unlawfully to obtain auto insurance and continue to legally drive to work or to take their kids to school.

Marcela Diaz, executive director of the immigrants’ rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido, says the legislation would discriminate against the young immigrants in the deferred deportation program by creating a special driver’s license for them.

“And then (the legislation) just leaves everybody else out,” Diaz says. “In other words, this isn’t a compromise.”

All the primary sponsors are supporters of Martinez’s effort to do away with licenses for illegal immigrants.

The Governor’s Office insists the legislation is a “very reasonable compromise.”

Apparently, compromise, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Thom Cole at tcole@abqjournal.com or 505-992-6280 in Santa Fe. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
— This article appeared on page A1 of the Albuquerque Journal