New Mexico officials defend rollout of new driver's licenses

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state officials who began issuing new driver's licenses this week that meet increased federal security standards are defending their efforts from criticism by civil rights groups. Advocacy groups for immigrants and the ACLU have described a chaotic rollout for the state's two new driving IDs and say the Motor Vehicle Division has asked some for documents and fingerprints that are not required. The groups set up an telephone hotline Wednesday to provide information on state requirements. The Motor Vehicle Division says it has been working hard to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout, issuing nearly 2,300 IDs in the two days. The state is issuing high-security driver's licenses as well as driving authorization cards that are available to all residents, including immigrants who are in the country illegally.