Texas Republicans have implemented significant changes over the past year, restricting access to essential services and licenses for noncitizens. These alterations affect occupational licenses, vehicle registration, commercial driver’s licenses, and in-state tuition at Texas colleges and universities.

Impact on Noncitizen Residents

Approximately 1.7 million undocumented individuals, along with refugees and those with protected statuses like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), are affected by these new regulations. Over 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have already lost their commercial driver’s licenses, and many more face potential job loss in licensed professions like construction, medicine, and cosmetology.

Concerns from Advocates

Immigration attorneys and advocates are raising concerns about the complexity and uncertainty created by the new rules. Corinne Kentor of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration describes the changes as a “coordinated effort to create a system of exclusion,” limiting access to education and workforce participation.

Shifting Policies and Legal Challenges

The changes are attributed to a combination of factors, including increased immigration at the border, previous federal policies, and a competitive election cycle. Some Texas officials are considering challenging Plyler v. Doe, a 1982 Supreme Court ruling requiring public schools to educate undocumented students.

A spokesperson for the Governor stated that state resources should prioritize legal residents and citizens, and that benefits should not incentivize unlawful presence. These changes are being implemented outside the traditional legislative process, causing confusion even within state agencies.

In-State Tuition Changes

Despite a failed attempt to revoke in-state tuition for undocumented students during the legislative session, the Attorney General successfully challenged the 2001 law in court. Students are now required to demonstrate lawful presence to qualify for in-state tuition, potentially impacting up to 18,500 students. Some universities initially incorrectly denied eligibility to DACA recipients.

Additional Developments

The Texas Department of Public Safety has been directed to strictly enforce a federal English proficiency requirement for commercial truck drivers, resulting in enforcement action against over 400 drivers, primarily licensed in Mexico.

Harris County Judge Under Scrutiny

Separately, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is facing scrutiny following a viral video and the discovery of two missed filings with the Texas Ethics Commission. Harris County commissioners debated a resolution regarding Judge Hidalgo’s conduct but ultimately decided against calling for her resignation.

Other County News

Judge Hidalgo addressed calls for her resignation following an incident at a rodeo and also discussed flood risks in Houston. Additionally, officials reported significant progress in the investigation of the unsolved Texas Killing Fields case in Galveston following a new arrest.