Texas will require proof of legal immigration status to get professional licenses
Texas will require proof of legal status for occupational licenses starting May 1, affecting about 18,000 licenses not linked to Social Security numbers, officials said.
- On Tuesday, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation unanimously adopted a rule requiring professional license applicants to prove legal status through a Social Security number.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rescinded a 25-year-old legal opinion allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses, aligning with a February 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump.
- State data shows about 18,000 licenses, or 2%, lack Social Security numbers; school founder Sandra Castaneda warned the policy will force workers into the black market, eroding oversight.
- Effective May 1, the mandate requires documentation for all applicants, though TDLR lawyer Derek Burkhalter noted exceptions for refugees, asylum seekers, and human trafficking victims.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Texas Moves To Block Professional & Commerical Licenses for Illegal Aliens
The rule comes after a recent opinion by Attorney General Ken Paxton requiring licensing authorities to obtain social security numbers from applicants. The post Texas Moves To Block Professional & Commerical Licenses for Illegal Aliens appeared first on Texas Scorecard.
Texas: New agency licensing rules require verification of eligibility, including legal immigration
The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation passed new rules on Tuesday meant to ensure eligibility for professional licenses, including verifying legal immigration.
People looking to get various professional licenses in Texas, from electricians to dog breeders, will soon have to prove they are in the country legally, after the State Licensing and Regulation Commission on Tuesday adopted a new rule that could affect thousands of workers. The commissioners unanimously approved the change after hearing several speakers who largely asked them to do the opposite because of concerns that it would hinder the state…
People seeking to obtain various professional licenses in Texas, from electricians to dog breeders, will soon have to prove that they are legally in the country, after the State Licensing and Regulatory Commission adopted a new rule on Tuesday that could affect thousands of workers. The commissioners unanimously approved the change after hearing several speakers who, for the most part, asked them otherwise because of concerns that it would harm …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

















