California has announced the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants. This decision follows concerns raised about the validity of these licenses after a review prompted by federal scrutiny.
Background on License Revocation
The announcement came as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California’s licensing practices. This scrutiny intensified following a tragic accident in Florida caused by a driver not authorized to operate a vehicle in the U.S. The crash resulted in three fatalities.
Details of the Revocation
The drivers whose licenses are being revoked were reported to have valid federal work authorizations. However, the state’s licensing standard fell short regarding the expiration dates of these licenses, which must align with the legal status of the drivers.
State Response and Federal Actions
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office initially refrained from providing specific details. Eventually, the office acknowledged that the licenses violated state law regarding expiration dates. In a statement, spokesperson Brandon Richards defended the state’s compliance with federal guidelines.
Implications of New Regulations
- The revoked licenses were issued before the implementation of stricter regulations announced in September.
- Only three categories of visa holders—H-2a, H-2b, and E-2—will now qualify for commercial driver’s licenses.
- License validity will be limited to one year or until the visa expires.
Continued Federal Oversight
Duffy had previously warned California about improper licensing practices and has since imposed new restrictions on immigrant applications. Despite the revocations, other states are under review, with audits delayed due to government shutdowns.
Potential Consequences for California
Failure to address these licensing issues could lead to a loss of federal funding for California. Duffy has already withheld $40 million and hinted at additional cuts if compliance does not improve.
The ongoing review has raised concerns about public safety, especially following other fatal incidents involving unauthorized drivers. The state’s efforts to adjust its licensing standards highlight the tension between state and federal immigration policy.
In summary, California’s revocation of 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses underscores significant challenges in balancing regulatory compliance and immigration policy.
