Jessica Martinez speaking at recent Rotary Club meeting. Courtesy photo

By JAMES WERNICKE

Jessica Martinez, the Director of Policy and Coalition Building at the New Mexico Immigration Law Center, recently gave a talk to the Rotary Club of Los Alamos, discussing her personal experiences and the organization’s work in immigration.

Martinez’s talk outlined the three key areas of immigration law: family-based petitions (“blood”), worker-based visas (“sweat”), and humanitarian-based claims (“tears”), with the New Mexico Immigration Law Center focusing on the latter. This includes providing free legal services for cases involving children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) and victims of human trafficking.

Martinez highlighted both the successes and setbacks in their legislative advocacy in New Mexico. A notable achievement was the successful passage of a law that allows children up to age 21 to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. She also mentioned the passing of a bill that prevents the MVD from selling sensitive information to third parties that could then be sold to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, she also spoke about bills that failed to pass, such as the Immigrant Safety Act, which would have prohibited state and local governments from contracting with ICE for civil immigration detention, and a proposed statewide non-discrimination policy.

Martinez addressed current challenges, including the rise in fear among immigrant communities due to increased deportations and the poor conditions in civil immigration detention centers in New Mexico. She stressed the critical role of community involvement through donations, volunteering, and engaging with legislators. Despite the legislative setbacks, Martinez concluded by noting that the movement for immigrant rights is growing stronger due to increased community engagement. The full talk is available at https://youtu.be/jaId7rsq59E.

Rotary meets Tuesdays at noon at United Church, 2525 Canyon Rd. Visitors are always welcome. For more information about the Rotary Club of Los Alamos or New Mexico Immigration Law Center, please visit rotarylosalamos.org or nmilc.org. Our next speaker on Aug. 26 is Jen Demas, Director of Family Strengths Network.