A federal court has temporarily blocked new rules imposed by the Biden administration that would have limited which immigrants can obtain commercial driver’s licenses, a move hailed by advocacy groups and opposed by states concerned about security. the injunction, issued late Friday, halts the implementation of the Federal motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) guidelines while a legal challenge proceeds.
The dispute centers on whether states can require applicants to prove legal presence in the United States-beyond simply having work authorization-to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). the FMCSA argued that such requirements would conflict with federal law and potentially exacerbate the ongoing truck driver shortage. Though, a coalition of states, led by Texas, contends the rules compromise public safety and national security.
The legal battle stems from a broader inquiry initiated by former Department of Transportation Inspector General Peter Duffy. Duffy alleged that California and five other states improperly issued CDLs to non-U.S. citizens. California became the focus of his scrutiny as it was the first state where an audit was completed. Duffy later revoked $40 million in federal funding, citing California’s alleged failure to enforce English language requirements for truckers, and threatened to withhold an additional $160 million if improperly issued licenses weren’t invalidated and concerns addressed.
Reviews in other states identified by duffy have been delayed due to past government shutdowns. Despite these delays, the Department of Transportation continues to urge all states to strengthen their licensing standards. The court’s decision to block the new FMCSA rules provides a temporary reprieve for states seeking to maintain their existing requirements, while the legal challenge unfolds.
