Civil rights group sues DPS over rule

AUSTIN (AP) - Civil rights advocates are suing the Texas Department of Public Safety to block new driver's license requirements for immigrants. The advocates filed the lawsuit in a state district court in Austin Wednesday, contending the new rules discriminate against people legally in the United States.

The lawsuit aims to force DPS to stop enforcing the rules, which took effect Oct. 1. The new rules require noncitizens to show official work authorization proof in the form of an official employment authorization document every six months to renew their licenses. However, supporters of the new policy, including Gov. Rick Perry , said the rules are intended to keep illegal immigrants from getting licenses and fight fraud and identity theft.

The suit was filed on behalf of three women legally working in the United States. The group said the three have been denied or likely will be denied license renewals because the DPS does not accept their work authorization status.