SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 1

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

John Arthur Smith

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO ADOPT REGULATIONS THAT ALLOW FOR TRAVEL BY MEXICAN VISITORS WITHIN A SEVENTY-FIVE MILE RADIUS OF THEIR PORTS OF ENTRY.

     WHEREAS, federal department of homeland security regulations for Arizona ports of entry extend the distance that Mexican nationals may travel into the United States without obtaining additional immigration documentation; and

     WHEREAS, the ports of entry of Sasabe, Nogales, Mariposa, Douglas and Naco allow visitors to travel within seventy-five miles of that border region of Arizona; and

     WHEREAS, this rule is intended to promote commerce in the southern Arizona border area while still ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent illegal entry into the United States; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico also has a border with Mexico and has cultural and economic exchange needs that are similar to those of Arizona;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the federal department of homeland security be requested to approve regulations allowing for seventy-five miles of travel within the radius of ports of entry into New Mexico by Mexican nationals; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of the department of homeland security and to the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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