New license rules blocked in court

AUSTIN (AP) - A judge has blocked the Texas Department of Public Safety from enforcing rules that prevent some legal immigrants from obtaining driver's licenses and identification cards.

The judge said DPS acted outside its scope of authority. She
issued a temporary injunction sought by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

DPS did not immediately return a call for comment.

MALDEF sued on behalf of five people who have permission to work in the country and a Lewisville landscaping business that employs seasonal foreign workers through a federal program.

MALDEF said its clients needed to drive as part of their job but could not get a license under the new policies because their visas are valid for only 10 months.

Under the rules, DPS denies ID cards and licenses to people who have visas that are valid for less than one year. The agency also changed the way IDs look for people who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but have permission to live in America.