One of New Mexico's external challenges to becoming a state dealt with the perception that New Mexicans

a. were not patriotic to the United States.

b. would not be satisfied to be a state.

did not have enough income to pay taxes.

d. were unwilling to serve in the military.

The correct answer is A) were not patriotic to the United States

Explanation:

New Mexico as the name suggested was originally part of Mexico. Before the Mexican-American war, even California was part of the Mexico.

Mexico laid a historical claim over much of Southern United States. After Texas was annexed, Mexico declared war.

However, the United States swiftly won the war and incorporated both California and another territory which they called New Mexico.

Most residents were native Mexicans who were fearful that under a new government they might always be perceived as being unpatriotic.

Accepting their new way of life, thousands of New Mexico residents joined the military to prove their loyalty towards the United States,.