Texas Immigration Laws

Texas law prohibits local governments and law enforcement from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Local officials who fail to comply with immigration detainer requests can face criminal penalties and removal from office.

Texas requires proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a driver's license or identification card. Unlike some other states, Texas does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented residents.

Federal labor laws (minimum wage, overtime, workplace safety) apply to all workers regardless of immigration status. Texas state anti-discrimination protections under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act also prohibit discrimination based on national origin.

Under federal law, Texas must provide K-12 public education to all children regardless of immigration status. This was established in a landmark Supreme Court case originating in Texas.

Texas allows certain residents, including some undocumented students who graduated from a Texas high school and lived in the state for at least 3 years, to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public universities.