Citizenship

[jdbtensai]

I am asking for a friend who lives in Texas. Can a state legally restrict LTC's to US citizens?

[dalriaden]

I don't know the legalities of if they can or not, but I had a brit friend who lived in GA and had a LTC. I can kind of see texas trying to limit it to U.S. citizens though.

Eligibility Questions

Under federal law, aliens who have been admitted to the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa, usually are not qualified to purchase a handgun and therefore, do not qualify for a license. However, as long as you were not admitted under a non-immigrant visa and are a legal resident of Texas, you may qualify.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaqs.htm

Not sure if that helps or not.

[HowardW56]

I am asking for a friend who lives in Texas. Can a state legally restrict LTC's to US citizens?

I do not believe the state can. A legal resident alien can purchase or possess firearms; they should be eligible for a LTC too...

[jdbtensai]

I read that code section but it was a little vague. I know Missouri has it right in their rules that you have to be a US citizen. My understanding, however, was that a state cannot discriminate based on citizenship. If anyone knows in general (court case?) or specifically with respect to Texas LTC I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

[a1c]

They can, that doesn't mean it will survive a challenge.

The Second Amendment says nothing about "citizens." It's about "the people." And historically, that has nothing to do with citizenship. Non-US citizens have the same other rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

Hell, there are plenty of non-US citizens enrolled in the US armed forces.