The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration will require proof of legal immigration status for applicants who are looking to apply or renew for professional licenses, effective May 1.
Sylvia Gonzalez-Gorman, a UTRGV associate professor of political science, said proof of legal citizenship to acquire licenses is not something new, as many states were doing similar practices in 2014-15.
“I think Texas is just kind of following the cue of the current administration,” Gonzalez-Gorman said.
She added Arkansas and Arizona have required proof of legal presence or citizenship for certain professional licenses, such as to hold a liquor license or work as a nursing attendant.
“States all over the United States have already done stuff like this and, again, given the current administration and given [Gov.] Greg Abbott, this was bound to happen at some point in time,” Gonzalez-Gorman said.
Professional licenses affected in Texas include electricians, barbers and cosmetologists.
English seniors Angela Muñoz and Cesia Arroyo said they were not too aware of the policy that was announced, although Arroyo said she knew the state required residents to show proof of ID when renewing a vehicle registration tag.
Muñoz added requiring students to have proof of legal status is a limitation that can affect them in finding a profession they are passionate about and does not believe the policy is fair.
“It won’t affect me … directly but, indirectly, it will because it’s my peers that will be affected, so in a way it does affect me,” Muñoz said.
Arroyo added despite speaking up about these kinds of issues makes a difference, it depends on what elected officials in the state Senate and House of Representatives decide.
“If enough people come up and speak out about it and show that it’s unfair, then, maybe there could be a change because, as they say, the people matter,” she said.
Gonzalez-Gorman said the difference, compared to other states, is the pressure from the Trump administration to force states to comply with its immigration stance.
“I think it’s really important to kind of give students a heads up in case they’re impacted by one of these professional licenses that they may be interested in,” she said.
Gonzalez-Gorman said it is important for the public to be aware of the policy because it can affect people’s livelihoods and specific professions.
According to the associate professor, if someone has gone through all the proper channels to get their professional license and is legally in the United States, there should not be too many issues.
“Until we see the final bill of what was signed off on, then, we will be able to see how it affects folks in the Rio Grande Valley,” Gonzalez-Gorman said.
She added students should pay close attention to see how the policy develops, as changes can occur before the policy is fully implemented.
