Judge Allows Texas to Deny Birth Certificates

A federal judge has chosen not to force Texas health officials to change their stance in denying birth certificates to immigrant families with U.S.-born children, saying that the families raised 'grave concerns' but more evidence is needed, according to a ruling issued Friday. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin denied an emergency injunction on behalf of immigrant families seeking birth certificates for their children after the Department of State Health Services refused to recognize as valid certain forms of identification. The families' lawyers had asked for the judge to intervene, saying that the children's right to health care, travel and schooling — along with parental rights — are being harmed.