New Mexico Adverse Possession (Squatters Rights)

NMSA 37-1-22 bars an action to recover land after a person has 'had adverse possession continuously and in good faith under color of title for ten years.' The statute defines adverse possession as 'an actual and visible appropriation of land, commenced and continued under a color of title and claim of right inconsistent with and hostile to the claim of another,' and adds that adverse possession is not established 'unless the party claiming adverse possession... have for the period mentioned in this section continuously paid all the taxes, state, county and municipal... assessed against the property.' A claimant must therefore show (1) ten years of continuous, hostile, good-faith possession, (2) color of title — a written instrument purporting to convey the land, and (3) continuous payment of all taxes for the full ten years.

No specific statutory penalty. An occupant who fails to meet the 10-year term, color-of-title, or tax-payment requirements has no ownership claim and is removed by court action; the true owner pursues ejectment or restitution.