Texas Requires Immigration Proof for Licenses

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome in. This is Dallas News Today, where local news meets AI. I'm Cory with the story. Texas regulators have approved a new rule requiring proof of legal immigration status for a wide range of professional licenses from electricians to dog breeders. The Commission of Licensing and Regulation voted unanimously on the change, which takes effect May 1st and could impact thousands of workers. Overseaned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the move aligns with a 1996 federal law that bars undocumented people from certain state benefits, though exceptions exist for refugees, assilies, and human trafficking victims. Agency officials say it promotes secure practices, fights fraud, and combats labor exploitation, especially with recent updates to their systems. Opponents, including workers and industry groups, warned the rule could hurt Texas' economy by driving immigrants into unlicensed black market jobs, reducing oversight in key sectors like construction and hospitality.

1:05Meanwhile, supporters like Governor Greg Abbott's office praised it for protecting jobs for legal residents and upholding federal standards. Texas joins other state agencies tightening rules on non-citizens, such as restrictions on commercial driver's licenses and stricter vehicle. Registration IDs echoing a recent presidential order. Officials estimate the state has about 1.7 million unauthorized workers, but fewer than 2% of licenses lack of social security, number. As implementation ramps up, the Commission plans regular updates to track effects stepping into new ground while balancing enforcement with economic needs.