It’s really not difficult. “Financial independence” effectively means parents don’t claim on taxes, but can still receive money from them. Federal financial aid is another matter, but NM residency isn’t difficult and the WUE/LUE scholarships effectively give that.
Here are the conditions as set by NM:
• Intent to be a resident, which on the Petition
• US or permanent resident status
• Financial independence (under the age of 23), or parents are NM residents and claim student as dependent
• 12-month consecutive presence in the state requirement, as demonstrated by lease, home ownership, or unofficial transcripts (this is the one that students assume is the only important requirement)
• Overt acts: NM driver’s license, car reg, voter reg, utilities. Must document 2 of these. Out of state license or registration is deemed an act inconsistent with residency.
Must meet all 5 conditions. There are some exceptions to the 12-month presence requirement, too detailed to list here. That’s about the only place for wiggle room.