Story perspectives

Texas Mandates Legal Immigration Proof for Professional Licenses

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas regulators approved a rule requiring proof of legal immigration status for professional licenses, effective May 1, 2024.
The rule impacts various professions, including barbers and plumbers, and follows a push by Attorney General Ken Paxton to enforce federal law.
Critics argue the rule could harm the economy and drive workers into the unlicensed market.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) reported that fewer than 2% of licenses lack a Social Security number.
This rule is part of broader immigration enforcement actions in Texas since President Trump took office in 2017.

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Story summary

Texas regulators approved a rule requiring proof of legal immigration status for professional licenses, effective May 1, 2024.
The rule impacts various professions, including barbers and plumbers, and follows a push by Attorney General Ken Paxton to enforce federal law.
Critics argue the rule could harm the economy and drive workers into the unlicensed market.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) reported that fewer than 2% of licenses lack a Social Security number.
This rule is part of broader immigration enforcement actions in Texas since President Trump took office in 2017.