New Protection for Immigrant Children Signed Into Law

Provides a path to lawful permanent residence for immigrant children facing unsafe conditions

Santa Fe, NM - Yesterday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law House Bill 15, creating a path for young immigrants to stay in New Mexico, when returning to their home country is not safe. 

 House Bill 15 establishes a Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, which would allow immigrant children under the age of 21 to seek lawful permanent residence in New Mexico if they are abused, neglected, abandoned, cannot be viably reunified with their parents, or it is not in their best interest to be returned to their country of nationality. 

 “This bill becoming law means that children who come to our state cannot be forced back into harm’s way. We are committed to making New Mexico a safe place for kids to grow up, no matter where they come from,” said lead bill sponsor Representative Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe). 

 The legislation was sponsored by Representative Romero, Senators Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Albuquerque) and Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque), and Representatives Yanira Gurrola (D-Albuquerque) and Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque). 

 This law is effective immediately and can also be applied retroactively. 

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