California is set to cancel 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses because they were issued to immigrants whose legal stay in the U.S. had expired. This move came after state officials realized the expiration dates of these licenses didn’t match the drivers’ authorized presence in the country.
The issue gained attention following strong criticism from the Trump administration over states like California granting licenses to people living in the U.S. illegally. The debate intensified after a deadly crash in Florida involving a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed on Wednesday that California’s decision to revoke these licenses shows the state admitted to mistakes, even though it had defended its process before. The state began reviewing its licenses after Duffy flagged concerns.
Duffy accused Governor Gavin Newsom and California of wrongly issuing these trucking licenses. He warned this was only the start and pledged to keep pushing California to remove all illegal immigrants from behind the wheel of trucks and buses. Newsom’s team responded by insisting all affected drivers had valid federal work permits. At first, they only said the licenses violated state law but later explained the law requires licenses to expire when the driver’s legal status in the U.S. ends.
The debate has been heated. Newsom’s spokesperson called Duffy’s claims false and an attempt to please his political allies. Meanwhile, fatal crashes in other states with truck drivers in the country illegally have added fuel to the discussion about safety and licensing standards.
Duffy had earlier imposed tougher rules for immigrants to qualify for commercial licenses. Under these new federal rules, only certain visa holders—temporary agricultural and nonagricultural workers or investors—can get these licenses. Plus, states must verify immigration status using a federal database. These rules only apply to new license applicants and won’t affect drivers already licensed until their renewals come up.
California is the first state Duffy has acted against because its audit finished quickly. Other states face delays due to government shutdowns, but they’re being urged to tighten their standards as well.
The federal government has already cut $40 million from California’s transportation funds over concerns including lax English language requirements for truckers. Duffy warned that an additional $160 million could be withheld unless California fixes these issues and cancels the improper licenses. The state’s recent decision to revoke the 17,000 licenses is part of efforts to comply.
Out of a sample of 145 California licenses reviewed by investigators, nearly a quarter should not have been issued. In some cases, licenses stayed active for years after the work permits of the holders expired. Despite these problems, Newsom’s office said they followed guidance they received from the Department of Homeland Security when issuing the licenses.
The canceled licenses will expire within 60 days, affecting drivers licensed under older, now outdated rules. This move shows how the federal government is tightening controls on who can legally drive commercial vehicles, aiming to improve safety on the roads.
The conversation over immigrant commercial drivers is far from over, but for now, California’s action signals a shift toward stricter enforcement of licensing standards tied closely to legal immigration status.