A Texas department has unanimously passed a new rule that could endanger the jobs of thousands of licensed workers in the state. According to reports, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has removed the ability for undocumented immigrants to earn licenses and certifications, upholding a move by Texas AG Ken Paxton to kill a provision made in 2001.
What does this mean? Workers without social security numbers will no longer be able to obtain or renew licenses for skilled work in the state. The change will come into effect from May 1.
"Illegal aliens who don’t belong in this country should not be rewarded for their criminal actions by receiving occupational licenses that allow them to undercut the wages of American citizens," said Paxton. "I have rescinded John Cornyn’s legal opinion that put Texans last by rolling out the red carpet for the invasion of our State. Illegals must be rounded up and deported instead of being given licenses to steal opportunities from Americans."
What was the older rule?
Undocumented immigrants used to get occupational licenses in Texas.
Which jobs will be affected?
Jobs that require a license like electricians, HVAC contractors, commercial drivers, hairdressers, cosmetologists and barbers, will come under this.
According to data, about 18,000 licenses in Texas are not attached to a Social Security number.
Noncitizens will still get licenses if...
Noncitizens will still get licenses if they can prove they were granted asylum, admitted as a refugee, or recognized as a victim of human trafficking. They are saying citizenship is not mandatory for being a licensed tradesman in Texas, but they have to have a legal immigration status.
Texas has woken up to the problem of what MAGA calls a changing demography because of immigration. Texas already froze H-1B hiring in all state agencies and higher education institutions.
