Louisiana bill would add citizenship marker on driver's licenses

Some are pushing back against the proposed legislation

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a driver's license being stamped with an eagle symbol, conveying the political tension and fractured debate over citizenship markers on government IDs.A proposed Louisiana law to add citizenship markers on driver's licenses sparks concerns over potential harassment and profiling of immigrants.Haughton Today

A bill passed by the Louisiana House would require the state's Office of Motor Vehicles to put an image of an eagle on driver's licenses issued to U.S. citizens. The bill's sponsor says it would help prevent naturalized citizens from having to repeatedly prove their status, but Democrats argue it could lead to the targeting and harassment of non-citizens by law enforcement.

Why it matters

The proposal comes amid heightened tensions over immigration policies, with concerns that the citizenship marker could prompt racial profiling and the detainment of immigrants, even those with legal status.

The details

House Bill 613, introduced by state Rep. Dodie Horton, a Republican from Haughton, would mandate the eagle symbol on licenses for confirmed U.S. citizens. Horton says this would be a 'point of pride' and help prevent naturalized citizens from having to repeatedly prove their status. However, Democrats like state Rep. Edmond Jordan argue the distinction could make non-citizens vulnerable to harassment by law enforcement, who may 'lock you up and ask questions later'.

  • The bill passed the Louisiana House on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Dodie Horton

A Republican state representative from Haughton, Louisiana who introduced the bill to add a citizenship marker on driver's licenses.

Edmond Jordan

A Democratic state representative from Baton Rouge, Louisiana who argued against the bill, saying the citizenship marker could lead to the harassment of non-citizens.

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What they’re saying

“'I think it's important to have that designation' so folks who have become citizens 'don't have to prove it over and over again.'”

— Dodie Horton, State Representative

“'They're going to lock you up and ask questions later. This is another means of harassment, and we don't need that.'”

— Edmond Jordan, State Representative

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Louisiana Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the potential for unintended consequences, as efforts to address one issue could lead to the targeting and harassment of vulnerable populations.