House committee advances bill to create Office of New Americans in workforce department

The State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee voted to give House Bill 124 a due pass after hearing testimony from the bill sponsor, agency experts and multiple community supporters. The bill would establish a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions to coordinate services for immigrant and refugee workers across the state.

Sponsor comments and agency testimony said the proposal builds on an existing, grant‑funded program and aims to help immigrants access job training, licensing equivalency and language supports. "One in eight workers in New Mexico is an immigrant or a refugee," the sponsor said, arguing that immigrants are a large share of critical industries including construction, agriculture and oil and gas. Salina del Castaneda, introduced in committee as director of the Office of New Americans, said the office works with workers and businesses statewide and helps identify pathways for credential equivalency so trained health professionals can practice in New Mexico.

Supporters from community groups and trade organizations emphasized workforce and economic benefits. Gretel Marita of Somos Unpollonido described ESL shortages in some programs ("1 teacher for every 50 students") and urged a permanent state office to expand access to training. Miles Conway of the New Mexico Home Builders Association said immigrant workers represent a sizeable share of the building trades and cited county‑level wage and tax impacts for Santa Fe County. Environmental and faith groups also testified in favor, linking immigrant services to community resilience and family stability.

Representative Luhan asked about statutory placement and data protections; agency witnesses said the bill updates statutory language to reflect current department naming and that about 22 states have offices of new Americans (4–5 housed within workforce departments). On data privacy, agency staff said programs would follow existing department rules and recent legislative protections for sensitive information, including immigration status.

Representative Anya Narnu moved a due‑pass recommendation, seconded by Vice Chair Little. After a roll call and brief explanation of her vote, the chair announced the committee had given the bill a due pass.

Next steps: HB124 moves forward from committee for further House consideration.