Texas Mandates Proof of Legal Status for Professional Licenses Starting May 1

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation has approved a new rule requiring individuals to prove legal immigration status to obtain various professional licenses, impacting thousands of workers across multiple industries. This rule, effective May 1, has raised concerns among industry representatives and workers, who argue it may hinder economic activity and push some to work without licenses. While the rule aligns with federal law, it allows noncitizens who meet specific criteria, such as asylum seekers or human trafficking victims, to still qualify for licenses. The decision reflects broader state efforts to enforce immigration regulations, with significant implications for the estimated 1.7 million undocumented workers in Texas.

Key Details: • New rule effective May 1, 2025. • TDLR will publish a list of acceptable documents for license applications. • Fewer than 2% of licenses issued lacked a Social Security number. • Industry representatives voiced strong opposition, with 450 comments received against the rule. • Impacted industries include construction, hospitality, and beauty services.