The New Mexico Certification of Citizenship, Residency, or Lawful Immigration Status is a document that verifies an individual's legal status in the United States. It serves as proof that the person is either a citizen, resident, or has lawful immigration status in the state of New Mexico. This certification is often required when applying for various benefits or services, such as obtaining a driver's license, enrolling in public schools, and accessing certain government programs. It helps ensure that only eligible individuals receive these privileges and resources. New Mexico offers different types of certifications depending on an individual's citizenship, residency, or immigration status: 1. Certification of U.S. Citizenship: This type of certification is issued to those who are born or naturalized citizens of the United States. It confirms that the individual is a citizen and has the right to reside in New Mexico. 2. Certification of Permanent Residency: This certification is granted to individuals who are legal permanent residents in the United States. It verifies that the person has lawful immigration status and is allowed to reside in New Mexico as a non-citizen resident. 3. Certification of Lawful Immigration Status: This type of certification is for individuals who have temporary or non-permanent immigration status in the United States. It establishes that the person is lawfully present in the country but does not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. To obtain any of these certifications, individuals usually need to provide the necessary supporting documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, social security card, or immigration paperwork. The application process may involve filling out forms, submitting fingerprints, and paying a fee. It is important to note that the New Mexico Certification of Citizenship, Residency, or Lawful Immigration Status only confirms an individual's status within the state. It does not grant any immigration benefits at the federal level, such as eligibility for employment or access to federal programs. Obtaining this certification is crucial for residents of New Mexico to access certain privileges, benefits, and opportunities available within the state. It helps ensure that these resources are distributed to those who meet the necessary citizenship, residency, or lawful immigration status requirements.