NM MVD says Navajo-only speakers are “illiterates” must learn English to obtain state ID card

[niyad]

42. a bit more information:

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The MVD’s directive would apply not only to Navajo speakers, but to all of New Mexico’s tribal speakers. The Secretary of State recognized eight Native American languages in the state.
Despite historical challenges to the franchise, New Mexico ballots include the state’s first statewide Native American candidate, Deb Haaland, Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov.



As a candidate for governor, former security guard and prosecutor Susana Martinez made New Mexico’s drivers license policy a top, and divisive, issue. The state’s practice of issuing licenses to foreign nationals was unique at the time and was cited as misguided policy that would lead to massive voter fraud by undocumented immigrants and widespread security concerns in an age of terrorism. While Martinez has fought time and time again to repeal the law authorizing those licenses, 13 other states have since followed our lead in opening permits and identification cards to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

There is no evidence that any of the issued cards have been used to facilitate voter fraud.

Yet, unable to repeal the law, Martinez and her administration have used administrative tools to widely restrict access to IDs. These administrative policies, often enacted without public notice or input, also restrict access to necessary permits and IDs for other residents whose rights to vote are not questioned.

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http://progressnownm.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/mvd-says-navajo-only-speakers-are-illiterates-must-learn-english-to-obtain-state-id-cards-or-license/