HB 124, permanent Office of New Americans, Passed by the Senate / 2026 Immigrant Legislative Platform

SANTA FE, NM – On Wednesday night, the New Mexico Senate passed House Bill 124, permanently establishing the Office of New Americans (ONA) at the NM Department of Workforce Solutions. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature.

By establishing the Office of New Americans in statute, the state creates long term infrastructure to coordinate workforce development, adult education, credentialing, and professional licensing, providing stability for workers and certainty for employers looking to address job shortages.

HB 124 makes immigrant workforce integration a permanent state strategy, rather than a temporary or political fix, and reflects a clear response to New Mexico’s economic reality. At a time of population stagnation and ongoing labor shortages, immigrants, who make up 13% of the state’s workforce, are essential to construction, agriculture, oil and gas, hospitality, caregiving, health care, and food service, industries that keep New Mexico running. Over the last five years, immigration has been the only driver of population growth, preventing decline. Likewise, immigrant families contribute more than $1.4 billion dollars annually in federal, state, and local taxes that sustain schools, hospitals, roads, and rural economies. HB 124 is not only timely, but it is a smart investment in the prosperity of our entire state.

HB 124 is part of a broader immigration legislation platform promoted by several immigrant and worker’s rights organizations during this legislative session. Victories include:

• HB 9+ – Immigrant Safety Act – Signed into law by the Governor
  Bans future 287(g) agreements with ICE and prevents local and state entities from acting as an extension of federal immigration enforcement. This law defends families from detention and separation, strengthens community trust, and affirms immigrant safety is public safety.

• SB 40 – Driver Privacy and Safety Act – Sent to Governor’s desk
  Restricts the use of automatic license plate readers for immigration enforcement purposes among other protected rights. This limits harmful data misuse by ICE and other outside agencies and protects families from being tracked or targeted through state and local systems.

• Expanded Workforce Development Funding – The Legislature included $3.25 million in additional investments for NM Ascend, an economic support pilot for residents in workforce development programs, and free high school equivalency exams so low-wage and immigrant workers can access training, credentials, and better-paying jobs in emerging industries.

Together, these victories are the product of years of organizing by immigrant workers, community leaders, coalition partners, and advocates across the state who showed up and spoke out. New Mexico grows through dignity, inclusion, and shared prosperity, and this session proves when immigrant families and allies stand together, we have the power to shape our future. The organizations are now urging Gov. Lujan Grisham to sign SB40 and HB124 into law.

Statements from organizations:

“This victory belongs to immigrant workers across New Mexico who have organized for years to be seen not as temporary , but as part of this state’s future. HB 124 makes immigrant workforce integration permanent.” said Marcela Díaz, Executive Director of Somos Acción. “Combined with the Immigrant Safety Act, the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, and expanded workforce funding, this session is proof that when our communities organize and stand side by side, we can create a safer, more stable New Mexico for all of us.”

“The passage of the Office of New Americans Act marks a turning point for New Mexico. When you look at it alongside the Immigrant Safety Act and the Driver Privacy and Safety Act, you can see the bigger picture of what we accomplished this session. We are building the infrastructure to ensure immigrants can fully participate in and contribute to our communities. In a moment when federal policies continue to grow more punitive, New Mexico chose to lead with dignity, practicality, and courage. This is what it looks like when a state aligns its laws with its values,” said Miles Tokunow, Executive Director, Contigo Immigrant Justice.

“We are incredibly grateful and proud that New Mexico is putting communities first, and that HB124 is now at the Governor’s desk,” said Berenice Estrada, Political Director at The Semilla Project. “This bill reflects what our communities have always known: immigrant workers are essential to New Mexico’s economy and future. By permanently establishing the Office of New Americans at the Department of Workforce Solutions, our state is making a long-term investment in workforce development, economic stability, and opportunity for immigrant families across New Mexico. Establishing ONA in statute strengthens coordination across workforce systems, expands access to training and credentials, and ensures immigrant workers can fully contribute their skills, leadership, and economic power. This is a big win for New Mexico and for communities across our state.”

“Immigrant families and workers in New Mexico deserve the opportunity to work with dignity, safety, and fair wages. The passage of HB 124acknowledges the reality of our state: industries are facing labor shortages, and thousands of immigrant workers are ready to contribute their talent, experience, and dedication to our economy.” said Olga Santana, Workers’ Rights Organizer, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “This law opens doors to better job opportunities, strengthens our communities, and benefits all of New Mexico. This achievement is the direct result of allied organizations and the perseverance of our members and immigrant leaders who, once again, raised their voices to demand inclusion, justice, and a more prosperous future for all our working families.”

“New Mexico and this Legislature has proven again and again and again that immigrants are welcome here. In just a year, the Office of New Americans has proven how valuable it is in serving immigrant workers and ensuring a stronger labor force in the state,” said Sylvia Ulloa, executive director of NM CAFe, a faith-based community organizing nonprofit in southern New Mexico.