Latino Group Sues Over Texas Licensing Rule

AUSTIN (AP) – Latino advocates are suing the Texas Department of Public Safety over new rules affecting non-U.S. citizens who try to obtain driver’s licenses and identification cards.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed the suit in state district court Wednesday. It’s on behalf of three people living legally in the country and a landscaping business that employs foreign workers through a federal program.

MALDEF contends the Public Safety Commission exceeded its authority and did not have Legislative approval to adopt the rules.

They contend the new policies prevent thousands of people living legally in Texas from receiving standard licenses.

The rules exclude people from receiving driver’s licenses if they have a visa for less than a one-year or have less than six-months remaining on it. Officials also changed the appearance of driver’s licenses for persons with legal permission to be in the U.S.

The changes took effect Oct. 1. Another group also has sued over the policies.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)