Texas to require verification of legal eligibility
A recent policy change by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) could restrict access to occupational licenses for certain immigrant workers by requiring stricter verification of applicants’ legal eligibility. The change follows a legal interpretation that licensing agencies must ensure applicants meet federal requirements tied to citizenship or immigration status, prompting TDLR to propose rules requiring proof of lawful presence and allowing denial of applications if documentation is not provided. The shift has raised concerns among immigrant workers and some advocates, who warn it could limit access to jobs in licensed trades, while supporters argue it aligns state licensing practices with federal law and aims to ensure compliance and workforce standards.