DACAers living in Red States

Hello frienda,

just a few questions.. i’m from CA and looking to purchase a home in Texas and was wondering what it is like as a Dreamer living in red states like Texas.

are there significant pros and cons? how is the drivers license accommodated along with your EAD? are property taxes low? does local state laws give you disadvantages in everyday life?

would love your thoughts.

Thanks, guys.

I've lived in Texas all my life. I got a masters while being undocumented and was able to work due to DACA. I've never had any problems. Most of the state governmental decisions don't really impact anyone, especially in big cities.

The pros:

- Affordable housing
- Low property taxes
- No state income tax
- Good BBQ

Cons:

- No nice beaches
- Typically more conservative population in general, however population growth is turning the state blue soon.

CA gives out 5 year drivers licenses.

does TX drivers licenses coincide with your 2 year EAD? so you have to renew your DL every 2 years?

Wait, what? CA now gives out 5 year DL? The Real ID one? Where? I just got one as I moved from TX and mine expires with my work permit, just like in Texas.

I live in FL but want to move out, still thinking of it.

Pros:
No income state tax
Nice weather
Nice beaches
Lots to do around the state
South FL has a big Hispanic community

Cons:
Properties have jumped up in price more than anywhere in the country
Lots of traffic
I would say a mix of conservative and liberals but most of the far right conservatives I know aren’t anti-immigrants

CA gives out Federal Limits Apply DLs in 5 year increments. its not a REAL ID.

i didnt sign up for REAL ID cause i can use my EAD/Passport of origin country to board domestic flights anyway.

Yes, TX matches your EAD. I have to renew it for $30 every 2 years.

If you have DACA, I'd imagine life is about the same in Texas as any other place, but others mentioned the license situation.

If you're in a major city you're probably fine too but out in the boonies, and there are A LOT of boonies, you may not feel all that welcome. That is solid Trump territory.

I live in NC and my DL has a big red letter in the center saying "Lawful Present Only, no Legal status".

no problems here in FL, cops dont give a sht about you immigration wise if you dont do high level crimes.