Travel across Texas roads It involves complying with a series of requirements That, for immigrantscan make the difference between controlling Routine traffic And a meeting with Agents From Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Icefor its abbreviation in English). Due to these regulations, it is important to know what identification documents are acceptable.
Lone Star State Department of Public Safety (Molassesfor its abbreviation in English) Requires that every driver Prove your identity And in case Aliensthat present Proof of your legal presence In the United States. Don’t get pregnant Correct documents It can lead to Finesarrests and even immigration risks.
For residents, it’s a process Obtain a driving license In Texas, it’s not just about proving the ability to drive a car. DPS requires it Applicants submit certificates Which Proof of your immigration status And to him residence.
It is among the accepted documents Valid visas, Permanent residence cards, Work permits And other official evidence issued by federal authorities.
Additionally, it performs DPS Database checks From US Citizenship and Immigration Services (Uscisfor its abbreviation in English) to confirm authenticity. This verification is Mandatory before issuing a license To drive in the state or renew an existing one.
the requirements with which you must comply Immigrants with legal status to Apply for a driving license:
Likewise, the state approves permits Temporary visitorsas foreign students, beneficiaries of Temporary Protected State (TPS)for its abbreviation in English) and carriers of certain types of Work visasamong other things.
For tourists, it is necessary to prove your visitor status with a valid license issued by your country of origin.
in Texasthe the people Without legal immigration status They cannot get a driver’s license. This measure Leave out the system For a large number of Illegal immigrants. Without a driver’s license, some risk driving without a license, which can result in severe penalties or arrest if they are stopped by state or local police.
Texas tightened Penalties for driving without valid documents. From 2023 law SB1551 Establishes Fines Up to $500 USD is possible Prison sentences for whom Driving without a license or refusing to show identification to an officer.
“Any person who fails to produce or show a driver’s license upon request of an officer may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500,” the legal text notes.
Likewise, SB4 passed in Texas and was enacted in December 2023. Although it is currently blocked and paused due to legal challenges, it gives context to how stringent local regulations for immigrants are.
This measure punishes illegal entry into the state of Texas, Making it a state crime that can be punished by imprisonment of up to six months and 10 to 20 years if returned.
In late September, DPS announced a New ruling Which Suspending the issuance of some commercial driving licenses (CDL) L Specific groups of immigrants with legal status.
This measure affected those with permits such as Refugees, asylum seekers or beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Dhaka). These applicants They can no longer process business licenses in Texas.
When it comes to avoiding problems during immigration control, rosio Becerril, An immigration lawyer recommended that Immigrants with permanent residency Take your own with you Green cardIn addition to maintaining a Copy at home.
In the case of those who They have no legal statusBecerril stressed the importance Learn about constitutional rights And keep calm.
Lawyer L explained Telemundo that Documents Most relevant to Proof of attendance or immigration procedures We are:
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