Texas Restricts Noncitizen Benefits

United States — Texas Republicans have enacted a series of sweeping regulatory and legal changes over the past year, significantly impacting noncitizens, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and refugees. These changes, largely implemented outside the traditional legislative process by Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton, limit access to occupational licenses, commercial driver's licenses, car registration, and in-state tuition at colleges. The United States — Utah Department of Public Safety, United States — Department of motor vehicles, and United States — Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation have been instrumental in enforcing these new rules. The policies have led to thousands losing their commercial driver's licenses and many more facing job insecurity. Critics, including United States — Democratic Party (United States) lawmakers and advocates like Pablo Higueros and Lorena Chavarría, argue these measures will increase uninsured drivers, raise property prices due to labor shortages, and push vulnerable populations into economic instability. The United States — Republican Party (United States) officials justify these actions as necessary to deter illegal immigration and prioritize resources for legal residents, with some even aiming to challenge the Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court ruling on public education for undocumented students.