The enforcement of new rules regarding immigrant commercial drivers has been halted by a federal appeals court. This decision, reached by the District of Columbia court, comes after the Transportation Department announced restrictions intended to limit access to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for immigrants.
Court Ruling on Transportation Department Rules
On Thursday, the court ruled that the Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, failed to follow proper procedures in drafting these rules. These restrictions surfaced after a tragic incident in Florida, where an unauthorized driver caused a crash that resulted in three fatalities.
Impetus Behind the Regulations
The need for these regulations was emphasized by a fatal truck accident earlier this year in Florida, attributed to a driver lacking legal status. In California, an audit revealed that numerous immigrants had obtained valid CDLs even after their work permits had expired. As a result, California recently invalidated 17,000 licenses, but these actions were based on previous rules, not the ones currently under judicial review.
Data and Impact on Immigrant Drivers
According to the court, immigrants currently hold approximately 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses, yet they account for only 0.2% of fatal crashes. This statistic raises questions about the necessity of Duffy’s proposed restrictions.
New Eligibility Criteria
- Under the proposed regulations, only immigrants holding specific visa types—H-2a, H-2b, or E-2—would qualify for CDLs.
- These licenses would be valid for one year or until the holder’s visa expires.
- Only 10,000 out of 200,000 noncitizen drivers would meet the new eligibility requirements.
The trucking community, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, largely supports these regulations. They argue that loopholes in the system pose risks to public safety.
State and Federal Responses
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that the state adhered to guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security when issuing licenses to noncitizens. However, Duffy has been critical, claiming California has improperly distributed CDLs. He has also threatened to withhold federal funding, citing the state’s failure to enforce necessary regulations.
Future Implications
As the court continues to review the matter, the future of these proposed restrictions remains uncertain. Legal experts suggest that the decision highlights ongoing frustrations regarding immigration policies and their impact on the workforce.
The legal proceedings against Harjinder Singh, the driver involved in the Florida crash, continue. He faces serious charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide.
This ruling represents a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about immigrant drivers and safety regulations, highlighting the delicate balance between regulatory enforcement and public safety.
