In an election cycle where immigration is front and center, officials on the Texas border have been enforcing some very strict rules. The New York Times recently reported on regulations in Texas that limit the types of IDs parents can show to receive copies of birth certificates. As a result, many immigrants have been unable to receive birth certificates for their children who were born in the US legally. Organizations that work on behalf of immigrants suspect that these policies are being enforced to make it more difficult for immigrants to start families in Texas.
Without a birth certificate, illegal immigrants cannot have their children baptized or enroll them in daycare. Many immigrants fear being separated from their children because they have no proof that they are the parents.
A lawsuit has been filed against the State of Texas on behalf of the illegal immigrants.