Texas stiffens driver's license rules

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Texas has adopted new driver's license regulations that require all immigrants to show proof of legal status.

Licenses granted to legal residents will also show their status, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported. They will have the words "Temporary Visitor" on the face with the visa-expiration debate and the photo will have a vertical orientation, instead of the horizontal ones on licenses issued citizens.

The rules also apply to state identification cards. Only people in the United States for at least six months will be able to get licenses or cards.

Tela Mange, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said the state had only required proof of identity, not of citizenship or legal status.

"We must ensure that this privilege is not abused by those seeking to enter our country illegally," Gov. Rick Perry said. "The safety of Texans remains a paramount concern of my administration, and these new guidelines will provide additional security."