ALBUQUERQUE — A new immigration law workforce training program will expand access to legal services for New Mexico’s nearly 131,000 foreign-born workers, with community advocates now serving residents from Bernalillo and Doña Ana to San Juan and Lea counties.

“This innovative partnership is helping the department train new professionals for in-demand legal careers in our state,” said Sarita Nair, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). “When we expand access to immigration legal services, we expand opportunity and this training helps make that possible for workers, families, and communities throughout New Mexico.”

NMDWS’ Office of New Americans (ONA) launched the inaugural 40-hour program in partnership with the National Partnership for New Americans.

“The Office of New Americans is excited to break new ground with this career trainings for legal professionals,” said ONA Director Leonardo Castañeda, “as well as to grow the ways NMDWS supports immigrants who make up an indispensable piece of New Mexico’s labor force and economy.”

The training is required for non-attorney legal professionals to be certified through the U.S. Department of Justice Recognition & Accreditation Program to provide immigration services including naturalization and work permit applications, creating career advancement opportunities for New Mexico workers.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the New Mexico Office of New Americans and organizations across the state to strengthen their immigration legal services and outreach capacities at a moment when immigrant communities are being met with increasing hostility and enforcement,” said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans. “Now more than ever, investing in training and capacity-building rooted in leadership is not just beneficial, it is essential.”

Director Melaku emphasized that organizations completing the program are helping build the trusted, local infrastructure needed to ensure immigrants can access accurate information, navigate complex legal systems, and exercise their rights without fear. “By equipping leaders with real tools and knowledge, this initiative strengthens our collective ability to build a more just, humane, and accessible system for all,” she said.

This training was funded by the ONA through private grant funds. The ONA is a member of the Office of New Americans network with more than two dozen other participating states, convened by the American Immigration Council and the World Education Service.

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  The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information. In 2025, NMDWS expanded to include the Office of Housing.