Texas to Require Proof of Legal Status for Professional Licenses

Source: Newsweek

Published Mar 25, 2026 at 03:42 PM EDT updated Mar 25, 2026 at 04:36 PM EDT


Professionals looking to apply for or renew their licenses in Texas will soon have to prove their immigration status, after a state board approved new rules.The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's commission voted on measures that will mean applicants, including barbers, plumbers, and dog breeders, will have to show they are not in the U.S. illegally and have a right to live and work in the country.

Caroline M. Espinosa, a TDLR spokesperson, said Tuesday that the department had long been evaluating how licenses were verified in line with federal law, and that the new rules reflected this.“This ensures consistent, secure practices across all programs and strengthens our ability to identify and deter fraud, labor exploitation, and human trafficking," she said.

Why It Matters

The move comes at a time when Republicans are pushing for greater scrutiny over whether individuals have legal status, or even U.S. citizenship, in order to access benefits, use government services, and vote in elections. President Donald Trump has been clear that he wants to see the SAVE America Act passed, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. In some states, policies have been updated to make sure immigrants without legal status are unable to access certain benefits or obtain a driver's license.

What To Know

The new rules could affect thousands of workers in Texas, with the TDLR overseeing a few dozen industries that require licenses, ranging from sports trainers, to dietitians, to property tax professionals. Upwards of 1.7 million immigrants without work authorization live in Texas, with many likely working in key industries including construction and hospitality.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/texas-proof-legal-immigration-status-licenses-11736352