eb5exclusive

New Mexico's Republican Governor Susana Martinez recently ordered local authorities to ask about the immigration status of those arrested for criminal acts, The Associated Press reports.

The executive order issued by the governor repeals a policy implemented in 2005 under then Governor Bill Richardson, according to the news provider. Under that policy police were prohibited from inquiring about a person's immigration status if the only reason was to determine if that person was violating federal immigration laws.

"This order takes the handcuffs off of New Mexico's law enforcement officers in their mission to keep our communities safe," Martinez said in a statement. "The criminal justice system should have the authority to determine the immigration status of all criminals, regardless of race or ethnicity, and report illegal immigrants who commit crimes to federal authorities."

However, the order was criticized by Peter Simonson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in New Mexico, who said it "invites racial profiling," according to the news source.

Despite the implementation of such strict immigration laws, foreign nationals can still become eligible for a U.S. green card through the EB-5 visa program by investing $1 million (or $500,000 in some areas) in an American project or company that either creates or maintains at least 10 full-time jobs.