TO THE EDITOR:
After many years in a newsroom my vocabulary is probably average, maybe better. But I cannot find words to express the ache in my heart after reading an article on Friday’s front page about New Mexico becoming a sanctuary state.
Don’t we have problems enough without asking for more? My first reaction was shock. “O, God, I thought. Don’t let this be true.” I read about the invasion on our southern border and am crushed by the sadness of it all. The overwhelming of border protection personnel. The desperation of those clamoring to come in. The misery of individual hardships. The fears. The illnesses. The hopes of all dreaming for a better life.
But are expectations realistic? Is the USA a wallet just waiting to be picked? What about lawful citizens who have not caught the brass ring? What about people who have applied for citizenship and wait in line for years? How can the bogged-down legal system deal with the screaming demand?
Think about it really hard.
Beverly Kodesh
—————————————————
TO THE EDITOR:
For those of you that are not aware, there are two Bills currently in front of the New Mexico Legislature, the purpose of which are to end support for federal immigration enforcement in our State; in essence, turn New Mexico into a “Sanctuary State”. The Bills are parallel bills, HB195 in the House of Representatives and SB196 in the Senate.
They are identical Bills so that if one doesn’t make it through one Chamber it may still make it through another. These Bills are patterned after similar ones in the State of California and are entitled “No Resources for Federal Law Enforcement”. We all can see what the “Sanctuary State” and “Sanctuary Cities” have done to California and if either one of these Bills makes it to the Governor’s desk and doesn’t get Vetoed, the same is going to happen here in New Mexico. If either one of these become law, our state law enforcement agencies will not be allowed to assist in enforcing these laws and, as will become apparent, will make a farce of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center that is located here in Artesia.
So if we believe in preserving the safety and security of our families, our friends and our community by enforcing federal immigration laws, it is imperative that everyone immediately contact their NM House Representative, Rep.Jim Townsend at townsend@pvtn.net and their NM State Senator, Sen. Cliff Pirtle at cliff.pirtle@nmlegis.gov and urge them both to defeat these Bills. Unfortunately, time is critical; HB195 is currently being heard in the House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee and SB196 will be introduced in the Senate Public Affairs Committee tomorrow (1/25/19). Sponsors of these Bills are: HB195: Senator Richard C. Martinez (D – District 5 – Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Espanola) and Patricia Roybal Caballero (D – District 13 – Bernalillo County). SB196: Senator Richard C. Martinez, Senator Linda M. Lopez (D-District 11 – Bernalillo County). Please also urge the Governor to Veto either one or both of these Bills if they make it to her desk. Email Governor Lujan-Grisham at: www.governor.state.nm.us Phone: 505-476-2200
We simply must not allow these Bills to pass.
Jess Holmes
