Texas will not issue trade licenses to any immigrant without a Social Security number.
A Texas department has unanimously approved a new rule that could jeopardize the jobs of thousands of licensed workers in the state. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has reportedly eliminated the ability of undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses and certifications, backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s move to repeal a 2001 rule. what does that mean? Workers without a Social Security number will no longer be able to obtain or renew a skilled work permit in the state. The change will take effect on May 1. “Illegal immigrants who do not belong in this country should not be issued occupational licenses for their criminal conduct, thereby lowering the wages of American citizens,” Paxton said. “I have rescinded John Cornyn’s legal opinion that put Texans last by rolling out the red carpet for the invasion of our state. Illegal immigrants must be rounded up and deported, not licensed to steal opportunities from Americans.”“
What were the old rules?
Undocumented immigrants used to obtain occupational licenses in Texas.
What jobs will be affected?
Jobs that require a license, such as electricians, HVAC contractors, commercial drivers, hairdressers, cosmetologists and barbers, would fall under this umbrella. According to data, there are approximately 18,000 driver’s licenses in Texas that do not have a Social Security number attached.
Non-citizens can still obtain a permit if…
Non-citizens will still be issued a permit if they can prove they were granted asylum, were admitted as refugees or were found to be victims of human trafficking. Citizenship is not required for businesspeople to be licensed in Texas, but they must have legal immigration status, they said.Texas is already aware of what MAGA calls demographic changes due to immigration. Texas has frozen H-1B hiring for all state agencies and higher education institutions.
