Texas Revokes Professional Licenses for Undocumented Migrants, Demands Proof of Legal Status

Texas is tightening its requirements for professional licenses, with Governor Greg Abbott's administration announcing a significant change that will take effect on May 1. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will now mandate that all applicants, both new and renewing, must provide documentation proving their legal status in the United States. This move is expected to significantly impact undocumented immigrants who rely on professional licenses to work in the state, effectively barring them from obtaining or renewing credentials. The TDLR has outlined a specific list of acceptable documents, including Social Security numbers, residency cards, naturalization certificates, and various visas, to verify an applicant's status. This policy, rooted in a 1996 federal law concerning employment and public benefits, reflects a broader effort by the state to enforce immigration laws and control the workforce. While the state asserts this is a matter of compliance with federal law, immigrant advocates are likely to view it as a barrier to economic opportunity and integration for a vulnerable population.