Bill permanently establishing New Mexico Office of New Americans heads to governor
The New Mexico Legislature has sent Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham a bill permanently establishing the Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions, cementing the state’s long-term commitment to immigrant workforce integration and economic opportunity.
HB 124, sponsored by Representative Cristina Parajón, Senator Cindy Nava, House Majority Leader Representative Reena Szczepanski, House Democrats’ Caucus Chair Representative Raymundo Lara, and Representative Yanira Gurrola codified an office originally created in 2024 through grant funding, giving it statutory standing and long-term stability. New Mexico joins a national network of similar offices in more than 20 states convened by the American Immigration Council and World Education Services.
“The Office of New Americans is a great addition to our existing successful programs for groups with specific workforce development needs, like the Jobs for Veterans Service Grant and our partnership with the Native Workforce Partners,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “The Office will further our mission to help all New Mexicans find jobs and careers that are fulfilling and enable their families to thrive. We are grateful to the sponsors of HB 124 for their excellent advocacy.”
“Codifying the Office of New Americans is an investment by the Legislature and the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in the state’s essential immigrant workforce and in improving opportunities for all workers,” said Leonardo Castañeda, Director of the Office of New Americans. “We are grateful to legislators, community members, and advocates who supported this vital effort and look forward to being a force multiplier for other investments made this session to grow our workforce in healthcare, child care, and cutting-edge technology — all of which are bolstered by immigrant workers.”
One in eight workers in New Mexico are immigrants, comprising an even larger share of key industries including agriculture, construction, and oil and gas extraction. Immigrant workers pay an estimated $771.1 million in state and local taxes annually, contributing to the state’s economy.
“Today our state affirms its commitment to opportunity, workforce stability, and inclusive economic growth,” said Jessica Martinez, Director of Policy and Coalition Building at New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC). “This legislation ensures long-term coordination and investment in workforce integration, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity across New Mexico. HB124 strengthens the state’s ability to support and build a more resilient and competitive economy. As a coalition, we thank the legislators whose leadership made this moment possible. We now look forward to the Governor signing HB124 into law.”
“HB 124 recognizes a simple truth: immigrant workers are essential to New Mexico’s economy, and recognizing this through good public policy supports state jobs, growth, and stability,” said Marcela Díaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido. “This bill will move us from short-term fixes to long-term solutions by ensuring immigrant workers can fully participate in—and strengthen—our workforce and communities.”
“Immigrant workers and business owners already contribute over $12 billion to New Mexico’s economy. Imagine how much more we could contribute if we address the systemic workforce development barriers currently faced by our communities,” said Olga Santana, workers’ rights organizer at El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “Investing in an Office of New Americans will allow thousands of immigrant workers to fully contribute their talent, experience, and commitment to help grow New Mexico’s economy, provide more dignified jobs for workers, and simultaneously help to address workforce shortages currently being experienced by key sectors in New Mexico. We are thankful for the collaboration between immigrant-based and serving organizations, the Department of Workforce Solutions, and the Legislature to ensure that all New Mexicans have the opportunity to thrive.”
Since its creation, the Office has:
- Trained more than 400 businesses on federal immigration policy changes
- Developed a training program for U.S. Department of Justice–accredited representatives, expanding legal service capacity and workforce pathways
- Coordinated a partnership agreement with the Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque to strengthen worker rights enforcement
- Led research to better understand the needs and strengths of New Mexico’s immigrant workforce
HB 124 formalizes the Office as a division within DWS. The Office will provide recommendations to improve coordination between workforce experts at DWS and the state’s refugee resettlement system. The department is not requesting a general fund appropriation for FY27 due to continued grant funding support.
With final legislative approval secured, supporters now look ahead to the Governor’s signature to officially enact the Office of New Americans into law.