New Mexico Formalizes Office to Help 'New Americans' Succeed Economically

The state legislature passed a bill to establish the Office of New Americans, which aims to support immigrant workforce training and licensing.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:38am

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The New Mexico legislature has passed a bill to formally establish the Office of New Americans, which has been operating within the Department of Workforce Solutions since 2024. The office aims to help immigrants and naturalized U.S. citizens achieve their 'maximum economic potential' through workforce training, continuing education, and assistance with professional licensing. The bill also requires an annual report on the economic impact of these 'new Americans' on the state's economy.

Why it matters

Immigrants make up a significant portion of New Mexico's workforce, especially in industries like agriculture, construction, and oil and gas. Formalizing the Office of New Americans is seen as an important step in supporting this essential part of the state's economy and helping new immigrants integrate and succeed.

The details

The Office of New Americans has been operating through grants since 2024, but the new bill will give it permanence and a formal place within the state government. The office has already shared immigration policy information with over 400 local businesses and partnered with the Mexican Consulate in Albuquerque to strengthen labor rights enforcement. State data shows that 1 in 8 workers in New Mexico are immigrants, and they contribute an estimated $771.1 million in state and local taxes annually.

  • The New Mexico legislature passed the bill formalizing the Office of New Americans on March 14, 2026.
  • The Office of New Americans has been operating within the Department of Workforce Solutions since 2024.

The players

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The governor of New Mexico, who is expected to sign the bill establishing the Office of New Americans.

Leonardo Castañeda

The director of the Office of New Americans.

Marcela Diaz

The executive director of Somos un Pueblo Unido, an immigration advocacy group that hailed the passage of the bill.

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What they’re saying

“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 health care, child care, and cutting-edge technology — all of which are bolstered by immigrant workers.”

— Leonardo Castañeda, Director, Office of New Americans

“HB 124 recognizes a simple truth: immigrant workers are essential to New Mexico's economy. Recognizing this through good public policy supports state jobs, growth, and stability.”

— Marcela Diaz, Executive Director, Somos un Pueblo Unido

What’s next

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to sign the bill formalizing the Office of New Americans into law.

The takeaway

By establishing the Office of New Americans, New Mexico is taking an important step in supporting its immigrant workforce and recognizing the essential economic contributions of 'new Americans' to the state's economy. This move could serve as a model for other states looking to better integrate and empower their immigrant communities.