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Texas Gas Prices
State Now Requires Legal Status For IDs, Licenses Save Email Print
53 comments
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(October 9, 2008)—People who are not U.S. citizens must now prove they are living legally in the country before receiving or renewing a Texas driver's license or identification card.

Under the new administrative rule, the Department of Public Safety will require immigration documents that prove a person's lawful status.

The face of the card also will sport a new look, making it easily distinguishable.

DPS will include the designation "Temporary Visitor" and the date that the person's status expires.

To receive a duplicate or renewal identification or driver's license, the person must show the immigration status has been extended or updated, DPS said.

DPS says U.S. citizens do not have to provide documentation.

Applicants who have permission to be in the U.S. for less than six months as well as those who have entered the country illegally will not be eligible for a driver’s license or identification card.

Those who have overstayed their visas without permission will not be eligible for renewal.
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Posted by: MMH Location: BELTON on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Ok--Let's do this by the numbers. 12 million ILLEGAL immigrants. Average taxes taken out of ones check is around let's say $1100.00 a year. Take 12 mil and multiply the $1100 and you'll understand why we are in debt over how many trillions of dollars?????!!!!!!!
Posted by: cs Location: waco on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:22 AM
i wish they would send all of us mexicans back to mexico. i wounder who will do all the work here in the US. who is going to cut the yards not complain about the heat. work in restaurants. work in housekeeping. and the most important work in construcion in the cold and hot weather because shurly it is not going to be a white or african american. RIGHT!!!! we are here to work not for anything else. and even thow there are some mexicans that come and make mistakes that doesn't mean that all of us are like that. that also goes for whites and african americans that make mistakes.so we shouldn't point fingers. also one more thing i think there shouldn't be anyone asking for money out in the streets.this people have legal documents they should get a job.
Posted by: LJ Location: Tx on Oct 13, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Your all are right there are some illegal immigrants that come here and cause trouble, but there are others that come here to try to live the American dream. The question is are we even legal? No we came in and over took someone elses land and claimed it. Mexicans aren't the only people in this country that are here illegally. We have Asians, Germans, people from India that come here on work visa's and decide to stay. The fact of the matter is we live so close to Mexico that we don't open our eyes and look at the big picture. I'm not saying let them in to our country, but I'm asking to look at the big picture. They are everywhere and their not just Mexican.
Posted by: ginny Location: cove on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:02 PM
hello LJ. your mother was an illegal and should have been sent home. illegals can afford to work for 5.15 an hour because a bunch of you will move into a house and it's like roaches you each pay a few bucks apiece for rent and send the rest home. well as citizens we have to pay taxes get insurance and lots of other stuff that we HAVE to have and pay for. so stop whining and go back to mexico if you want to complain about American citizens.
Posted by: teresa Location: temple on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Patriot-Read what im writing before you comment.Yes my in laws are illegal and it just burns me up that they get free medical care, foodstamps, help with paying their bills at the help center. I am with yall 100%. But my only thing im worried about is if they dont have a txdl that means no insurance, and if they wreck into my vehicle who is going to pay for my damages. That is what i was commenting about.
Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Oct 12, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Now if we can make them be legal citizens before moving into our neighborhoods. Do mexicans know how to use a driveway?? I swear they have to pull right into the yard and park in front of the door. Maybe they dont have grass in Mexico. My "new" neighbors hoop and holler all night with their mexican music so loud. They have all these dog food cans laying around the trash can yet they have no dogs. I'm thinking since there is a dog on the can they think it is dog meat. Good for Texas. Too bad they dont have to be legal to get food stamps or medicaid.
Posted by: dmg Location: waco on Oct 11, 2008 at 07:56 PM
And further more, illegals who are stopped driving without a license or insurance or involved in an accident should be jailed on the spot and deported back to Mexico!!!! Texas needs to quit catering to the illegals:WE SPEAK ENGLISH HERE>>>YOU NEED TO ALSO OR GO BACK ACROSS THE BORDER HOME! If I lived in Mexico, I would be expected to learn the language-give me a break!
Posted by: Born A Texan Location: Waco on Oct 11, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Yes, many US citizens are on Food Stamps, HUD houseing, and medical assistance. I am one. I began working at 14. I went to high school and college. I have worked hard all of my life; sometime 2 or 3 jobs. My big mistake? I married a farmer. We worked daylight to dark, holidays and summer vacation. At that time, one farmer fed an average of 54 people - more than there are comments here. BUT, farmers and families don't get regular wages. And they rarely make big profits evey year...sometimes once every 3-5 years. Hence, very little Social Security paid in. Now I'm over 65. No one will hire me part time, and believe me, I've looked. I do have some medical issues, but am in control of them. I try to live on $663 a month, Medicare would cost me $95 of that, olus co-pay if Medicaid didn't help me. I feel I have earned every dime of food stamps, SS and Medicare/Medicaid I get. But there are 12 million illegals, and some get more than I.
Posted by: dmg Location: waco on Oct 11, 2008 at 03:47 PM
AND CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY THE STATE, AFTER WE HAVE BEEN INVADED BY THE ILLEGALS, HAS FINALLY DECIDED TO DO THIS ?????????? WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING IT ALL ALONG !!!
Posted by: Patriot Location: Texas on Oct 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM
LJ, to answer your question as why an illegal will mow lawns for $5.15 hour ----1. It's not taxed. 2. They send it back home where that $5.15 USDs turns into 67.40 Mexican Pesos. But, you know this already so why bring up that "old" arguement that doesn't fly with legal taxpayers???
Posted by: Patriot Location: Texas on Oct 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Teresa, you need to send your "illegal in-laws" back. You are part of the problem and not the solution, so stop whining.
Posted by: Aly Location: Waco Area on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Insurance - Insurance companies require that applicants for insurance have a VALID Texas drivers licence. If from another state or country, they have 30 days to get one, or get cancelled. And they rarely issure Insurance ID cards for more than 30 or 60 days without one. With the new law that Law Enforcement can check the status of your insurance, just having a Insurance ID card is not enough. In some counties of Texas, there are as many as 60% UNINSURED DRIVERS.
Posted by: LJ Location: Tx on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:49 AM
My family is of Mexican decent. (Mexico) I completely agree that we should have to provide documentation to get a form of Id. However I disagree with all you people on here stating that illegals come to this country to take all of your benefits. My mother is from Mexico and she came here illegally. She is now a U.S. citizen. She has never asked or received any type of benefits from the U.S. government. We have more American born citizens on food stamps, welfare, housing etc...you get the picture, but yet we don't complain about them. They complain they can't find a job. How is it that a illegal immigrant will take job cutting lawns for $5.15/Hr, but an "American" citizen will not because that's not enough $. They take a job working out in sun making $5.15/Hr, but yet an "American" citizen will not because they don't want to work in the sun. I love my country, but I hate the racism. Not all people are here to take your benefits or take from you nor are they parasites.
Posted by: Mac Location: Tx on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Great news! Now, if the state could do something about the produce they handle. Not like we ask them to speak english, pay taxes and be held responsible for their stupid behavior.
Posted by: Tim Location: Temple on Oct 10, 2008 at 05:55 PM
I thank the border patroll should shoot to kill and ask question later Fathers , Wives ,mothers grandma,kids all That way we would keep the trash out of our cities...
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:22 PM
To LEGAL citizen in Waco. When I was stationed in Germany I learned German, When I lived in Korea I learned some Korean, when I went to Central America....get my point? It would be fantastic if everyone learned a foreign language or two, it would be even better if people who immigrate to our country learn english.
Posted by: TERESA Location: TEMPLE on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM
MMH-Well I dont know what world you are living in, but all of this that you just describe in happening now(today)! All of these illegals are having lots of kids, getting on welfare, housing, and not having to pay any taxes, my inlaws are illegals and they get free medical help something I as a US Citizen can not get cause i have a Txdl and S.S card where they can trace if i am employed or not. At least illegals with an Tx Id or Tx Dl can be traced.
Posted by: MMH Location: BELTON on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Teresa-Well, since you seem to have that attitude we should just allow them to come in to our country with out question, get a job under the table with out question, not pay ANY taxes with out question, oh and have as many kids as possible and get on welfare with out question since they don't seem to want to read or write english to get ahead in life and live the AMERICAN DREAM. Good thinking, Teresa! Wonder how your world will look in about 5 years with these scenarios.........
Posted by: Heart-Of-Texas Location: Waco on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I just really enjoy 'all' of these comments!! All of this has been going on for over 50 years!! But 'WE' have just ignored it!! But 'One' Article finally opened 'our' eyes!! PS. The illegals do not have to do any of this, but just go spend $25.00 to get a 'fake' Drivers License and Social Secutity Card(number)!! Get Real People!! Back-To-The-Future!! (Wheres 'OUR' Sign!![Stupid]).
Posted by: TEXASLEGAL on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Teresa- Where have you been? How many of these illegals do you think have a drivers license or insurance now? When you fly below the radar and are unafraid of law enforcement why bother? This whole situation could have been avoided if our government had been enforcing the laws instead of pandering to these parasites.
Posted by: Citizen Location: waco on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Oh my, they dont already check for that. I cant believe that!
Posted by: Bill Location: Waco on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:19 AM
SURE!!! This SOUNDS good.... but where does it stop??? Are we going to start putting on DL whenever a person breaks a law like jaywalking??? Come on folks.... Needing verification is one thing.... having it published on a DL is different... and besides... SO WHAT??? People will do what they have to do, whether it be drive without a license or insurance.... what are you going to do? Make those offenses felonies??? PULEASE!! That would be another step this state is taking toward being a police state....
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Woodway on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Hmmm. After reading the posts,I see a sgnificant undercurrent of emotions that aren't tied to this specific thread. First: I just moved here from Illinois and was surprised that Texas requires a birth certificate from any first-time request for a driver's license in addition to the typical "stuff." They also took a thumbprint, which was new. (I am a typical, completely law-abiding citizen.) Requiring the proof that someone is allowed to be in our country in order to have the priviledge to utilize or road systems is completely sensible. To poster, Teresa: It's a smart idea to always have un / underinsured moterist coverage on your insurance policy! Third: The language issue is heated. I am both a Spanish and ESL teacher (and am NOT hispanic/latina). While I believe everyone should make a genuine effort to speak the national language of the country they are in, I also think Americans, in order to see a bit more globally, should learn a second language...any language.
Posted by: me too Location: waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:30 PM
all this states is if you are from here and have legal status on you and the vechical that you drive in case something happening nothing else. because there are a lot legal u.s.a. citizen that don,t have legal papers on them also so it work on both sides so if you are a legal citizen you better have papers on you too because you might get your car tolled and repo ha ha. it work both way.
Posted by: anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:09 PM
john doe:...Is all that vulgar language necessary? Certainly makes the English language LOOK BAD!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: CenTex on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Very glad to see this! Our country can no longer afford the free ride that illegals are taking advantage of...ITS ABOUT BEING ILLEGAL.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:08 PM
To LEGAL citizen in Waco. This story is not about (legal citizens) who speak English. It's about immigrant workers being able to obtain a "Temporary Visitor" driver's license with proof of valid immigration documents (green cards) who most can't speak English. Got it stupido???
Posted by: JC Location: Waco Area on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:55 PM
And why was this NOT in Place Already?????? By God I was Born here and have to do the very same thing So what makes illeagals Different??????? why wait till now Should have already been in place a long time ago......
Posted by: Land-O-Lakes Location: Wako on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Take down all borders. Speak the universal language of love. Roam Freely. Mooooo. Raiders-of-the-lost-arc!!!go anywhere, think anything.No I D for anyone.SMP
Posted by: TERESA Location: TEMPLE on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Well to all of you who are happy about immigrants not being able to get a drivers license. (wow) Now you have to worry and hope that one of these immigrants don't run in to your automobiles. No license means no insurance. Stupid law to pass. Now us citizens will just be S.O.L if one of these people run in to us. Did you all ever think about that. We have to pay insurance every month but what about them they cant cause they dont have a license.
Posted by: American Citizen Location: Central Texas on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:45 PM
That is all I have to say is DUH! Why did this law take so long?????
Posted by: Creeper Location: Killeen on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Does anyone think this will stop the border invaders from sneaking across the border? Heck, most of the border invaders don't bother getting drivers' licenses or auto liability insurance anyway. Millions of them slther amongst us, and millions more are sneaking across daily, while they breed prolifically.
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Non-Editor's Note: -------- "People who are not U.S. citizens must now prove they are living legally in the country before receiving or renewing a Texas driver's license or identification card." Maybe you should make your stories more clear in the future. You did study journalism, didn't you?
Posted by: TEXASLEGAL on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Now how about e-verify for employment?
Posted by: Heart-Of-Texas Location: Waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Ditto,,Ditto!!! Now if the Illegals will just 'file' for Citizenship,, Which requires 'They' speak 'Our' English, Up-Hold 'Our' Laws, and Pledge Allegiance to 'Our' Flag!!!! And,, buy Liability-Insurance!! And,,,,,, 'Stop' trying to attract attention to Themselves/Their Race!! Then everything will be 'Much' Better!!!!!!! PS.,,, Now as per Bill Cosby(black comedian),, if the other races would also stop trying to attract attention to themselves,, The whole 'WORLD' would be a better place (Period)!! Back-To-The-Future!!PPS. To John in Salado; We didn't have or need Drivers License's in 1836 or so,, (just joking!!)
Posted by: Susan Location: CenTex on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I agree, it should have always been this way and why did it take this long?? Sheesh, that's ridiculous!!
Posted by: LEGAL citizen Location: Waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:00 PM
to TAXPAYER: so maybe if they could read or write english huh? Well maybe your uneducated self needs to learn spanish?? You should not make comments about all "illegal" people there are a great deal that do speak english. I was born here in Texas and speak English and get write very WELL; oh and i can also speak & write Spanish extremely well. Don't judge people and cast your idiodic comments unless you want someones opinion..in this case a LEGAL MEXICAN AMERICAN. estupido- look that up
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Bout time.
Posted by: john Location: doe on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:26 PM
It's about time?? Wtf are all you talking about on here? Come on all you nitwits, DPS has never issued any form of identification or license to non-eligible people. If you are from Texas you should know that. When one goes to DPS to apply for ID's or licenses, what's the first thing DPS asks? Proof of U.S citizenship or legal status!! But all of you who commented stupidly on here should know that and I bet you do know. And wtf about read and write english?? What are you implying?? What the state should do is include designations for sexual offenders, bigots, hate group associations and all the things that really matter, instead of the oxymoronic designation of one's legal status. I can vouch for sure that DPS has required proof of one's legal status since 1993, that's when I applied for my driver's license. I was 16. At all my renewals through the years it's been the same, U.S citizen? or green card? No USA birth certificate or "green card" , no ID or TXDL. always since 1993 at least.
Posted by: Mary Location: Waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Yeah! It's about time. It takes all kind of people that makes up this great country we live in and in my opinion, if you choose to live hear, you should be able to speak a little bit of English, it doesn't have to be perfect, just enough to be able to communicate. My daughter is in 2nd grade and when the school sends papers home, on one side it's in English and the other side it's in Spanish. To me, that is so stupid. If I was to move to another country or even just visit, I better know some of their language so I would be able to communicate. It only makes sense.
Posted by: MMH Location: BELTON on Oct 9, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I was born and raised in Texas and I have always had to show proof of that one way or the other. If Texas hasn't required proof up to this point for a Driver's License then it makes you wonder what other agencies didn't???!!! It's pretty sad that illegals have more stinkin rights than I do!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: observer Location: temple on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I find this a little confusing. DPS does not require documentation from US citizens? So how do they determine who is and who isn't a citizen? Does this mean if you go in and simply tell them you are a US citizen, you get your license? Doesn't make much sense to me-------------------------------------------------------EDITOR's NOTE: DPS does require verification of citizenship to obtain a driver's license or identification card. What is different is DPS will now require the STATUS of non-citizens to be printed on the card.
Posted by: Sister Location: Waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:48 AM
WHAT A SURPRISE !!!!... you WOULD have hoped that is what they HAD been doing.. but I have found..if you do not speak ANY english.. do not pay ANY taxes.. you get ALL the benefits that someone... like myself does NOT get... an United States CITIZEN...
Posted by: susiebw Location: kempner on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Good GOOD GOOD! About Time!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:14 AM
ITS ABOUT TIME TEXAS - now make it to where Mexican Drivers Licenses are NO LONGER legal to drive on here. This article doesnt address that fact which was established in a federal treaty & it allows them 1 year to obtain a texas DL
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:53 AM
They are just now doing this because those that WERE in charge didn't think it was needed. With a new DPS Commissioner maybe we can get back to running the DPS the way it should have been all along. The troopers have been doing a great job. The DPS administration was not.
Posted by: Finally Location: waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM
thank you thank you thank you. and i would think no drivers license , means no insurance also
Posted by: taxpayer Location: waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:45 AM
It's about time...now if they could only read and write in English.
Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:41 AM
The State of Texas is JUST NOW making this change???? It should have been like this from DAY ONE. Why in the world was the state issuing licenses to people who didn't have proof of citizenship and/or legal status???--------------------------EDITOR's NOTE: It is not really a policy change so much as it is a card design change. DPS now requires the STATUS of a non-citizen to be displayed on the driver's license or identification card.
Posted by: Tony Location: Waco on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:59 AM
This is certainly a step in the right direction...all be it a small step but at least it's a step forward. I have 1 question/comment though...Does this mean the DPS HAS been issuing driver's licenses and I.D. cards to illegal immigrants?!? Apparently so because the headline reads, "State NOW Requires Legal Status For IDs, Licenses". What did the DPS require before...just money?
Posted by: Tex Location: Tx on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:52 AM
good it's about time they put this in action and they also need to be sure and crackdown on uninsured motorists,they need to put a law into effect to where people cannot get auto insurance for only a month at a time, this is a problem, when companies insure only for a short period it allows irresponsible people to be able to get their auto tags and inspection sticker, after doing this they just let the insurance expire and when they are involved in a accident, the person who is not at fault gets left holding the bag, this is some of the reason the economy is in the shape it's in, along with unpaid loans, credit card abuse and other things
Posted by: Gerry Location: Cameron on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:51 AM
About time. What took so long???????
Posted by: !!! on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:47 AM
It's about time!
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