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by Taylor Whartnaby & Photographer Colton Thompson
SAN ANTONIO – Texas lawmakers have introduced stringent new identification requirements for vehicle registration, aiming to curb illegal immigration.
The new rules mandate that individuals registering or renewing a vehicle must provide proof of legal status, such as a valid driver's license, a U.S. passport, a foreign passport accompanied by a valid Permanent Resident Card or unexpired immigrant visa, or a Texas license to carry.
Nory Pakravan, owner of 2-10 Auto Credit in San Antonio, expressed concerns about the potential economic impact.
"Less people are buying cars, less sales tax are going into our state, less people are buying auto insurance, less people are buying parts for from any auto parts store, less mechanics will have less work. So it's literally a domino effect," said Pakravan.
Pakravan noted that the new Texas DMV identification rule has been met with confusion and frustration.
"We have a product that we're trying to put into a consumer's hands. And if you make us follow steps that are not within my realm, it makes it very difficult. If I'm at fault, how would I be at fault? What's the fine for that?" she questioned.
The initiative was driven by State Rep. Brian Harrison, who urged Gov. Greg Abbott to address the issue of illegal immigrants obtaining vehicle registrations.
Harrison stated, "If you're here lawfully, this should change effectively nothing, because I have done nothing that would really change anything for people here who are here lawfully, other than perhaps showing the right type of identification when you go to register your vehicle."
Harrison expressed his shock at the DMV's previous inaction on illegal immigration.
"We have been endangering Texas drivers for too many years. I think this has been one of the drivers of skyrocketing vehicle insurance premiums, as well as facilitating illegal immigration," said Harrison.
He vowed to continue advocating for further measures in upcoming legislative sessions.
CLICK HERE for the Texas DMV requirements…
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