HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 26

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CREATE THE INTERIM "BORDER SECURITY AND BORDER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE".

     WHEREAS, homeland security issues have focused attention on border crossings and the ease of entry into the United States; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico counties and local communities that share a border with Mexico play a critical role in supporting federal law enforcement efforts and require financial support; and

     WHEREAS, immigrant labor plays a vital role in New Mexico's economy, and border security efforts can have an adverse economic effect without new immigrant employment policies; and

     WHEREAS, unregulated numbers of undocumented immigrants may have an effect on the infrastructure and financial resources of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, there are significant public health issues that impact New Mexico as a result of the state's proximity to Mexico and the cross-border travel of New Mexico residents; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's border with Mexico is situated on a vital environmental corridor for species migration routes and in an area that is the habitat of unique animal and plant species that can be impacted by border security efforts; and

     WHEREAS, many lives are lost during illegal entry into New Mexico from Mexico, and border security and immigration policies can play a role in decreasing this loss of life; and

     WHEREAS, federal, state and local border security efforts must be coordinated with traditional ranching and agricultural activity located on the border with Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, complex border issues and federal, state and local attention to New Mexico's border security efforts with Mexico mandate involvement by the New Mexico legislature;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint an interim "border security and border affairs committee" to receive testimony; to study border issues, including security, health and environmental concerns, traditional ranching and agricultural border commerce and human rights; and to recommend appropriate actions needed to address relevant related issues; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this interim committee report its findings and make its recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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