A judge Thursday blocked the Texas Department of Public Safety from enforcing rules that bar some legal immigrants from getting driver's licenses and ID 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 spokeswoman Tela Mange said the agency has received the order and is reviewing it with the Texas Attorney General's Office.
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.
MALDEF sued on behalf of five people with permission to work in the U.S. and a Lewisville landscaping business that employs seasonal foreign workers through a federal program.
MALDEF said its clients needed to drive for their jobs, but couldn't get a license under the new policies because their visas are valid for only 10 months.
