Texas Halts CDL Issuance for DACA Recipients, Refugees, and Asylees

September 30, 2025 – The Texas Department of Public Safety has stopped issuing commercial driver licenses (CDLs) to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, refugees, and individuals granted asylum, a move that is already sparking legal and political debate.

The change, which went into effect this month, affects thousands of Texans who rely on CDLs to work in industries facing severe labor shortages, including trucking, delivery, and oilfield services. Previously, these groups were eligible for CDLs as long as they met federal work authorization requirements and passed state testing.

Immigrant advocates say the decision is a direct blow to workers who are legally authorized to live and work in the United States. “These are people who have already been vetted by the federal government and given permission to work. Denying them CDLs is punishing them unfairly and undercutting Texas’ economy,” said one immigration rights attorney.

State officials have not provided detailed justification for the policy shift but confirmed the halt applies to applicants who cannot show permanent legal residency or U.S. citizenship. Critics argue the move conflicts with federal regulations, which allow individuals with temporary lawful status to obtain CDLs.

The trucking industry, already struggling with a nationwide driver shortage, may also feel the impact. According to the American Trucking Associations, the U.S. faced a deficit of more than 80,000 truck drivers last year, a gap Texas’ new restrictions could worsen.

Civil rights groups are reviewing legal options, with potential lawsuits looming. “Texas is creating unnecessary barriers that hurt workers and consumers alike,” one advocate said.

For now, DACA recipients, refugees, and asylees in Texas remain in limbo—able to work legally, but blocked from accessing one of the state’s most vital professional licenses.