Texas regulators have approved a rule requiring proof of legal immigration status for many professional licenses.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will require applicants for a wide range of occupational licenses to verify lawful presence in the United States, following a unanimous vote by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation on Tuesday.
The change, set to take effect May 1, means individuals seeking licenses in fields such as cosmetology, electrical work, and even dog breeding must provide documentation showing they are legally authorized to be in the country. Agency officials said the rule is intended to align state licensing practices with federal law.
“TDLR has long been evaluating verification of license eligibility in line with federal law… This ensures consistent, secure practices across all programs and strengthens our ability to identify and deter fraud, labor exploitation, and human trafficking,” agency spokesperson Caroline M. Espinosa said, according to reporting by The Texas Tribune.
The policy stems from the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which agency officials say bars people in the country unlawfully from receiving certain public benefits, including professional licenses, unless they meet specific exceptions such as asylum or refugee status.
State officials and allies of Greg Abbott framed the move as a safeguard for jobs and compliance with federal standards. “Texas will not reward illegal immigration by issuing professional licenses to those here unlawfully,” a spokesperson for the governor reportedly said after the vote, adding that the change protects the integrity of the licensing system.
The decision follows a March 24 report indicating regulators were weighing whether to formalize the requirement, after guidance tied to a legal interpretation that applicants must meet federal eligibility standards. That earlier coverage also noted that roughly 18,000 licenses, about 2% of the total, were not linked to a Social Security number, according to prior reporting by The Dallas Express.
Agency officials said it remains unclear how many workers will ultimately be affected. Texas is home to an estimated 1.7 million people without legal authorization, many of whom work in industries regulated by TDLR, The Dallas Express reported.