Judge blocks new rules for licenses, IDs in Texas


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By PEGGY FIKAC Austin Bureau
April 9, 2009, 7:53PM

AUSTIN — A state judge agreed Thursday to suspend new Department of Public Safety driver license rules touted as a crackdown on unauthorized immigrants.

The rules prevent thousands from getting standard-issue licenses even though they’re legally in the country, said the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which is suing over the policy.

District Judge Orlinda L. Naranjo said the rules — which specify that people who aren’t U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents must prove they’re legally here before getting a license — go beyond DPS authority.

“This case is not about illegal immigrants obtaining driver licenses, it is about legal residents who have been denied or have been threatened a denial of a driver license,â€