UPDATE: A group of immigrant truck drivers has just filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over plans to revoke thousands of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The urgent legal action, taken on Tuesday, highlights the immediate threat to around 20,000 drivers who could lose their livelihoods due to a controversial policy requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency.
The DMV announced in November 2023 that it would begin revoking licenses starting in early 2026 unless drivers complied with new federal guidelines. However, the agency recently halted the issuance of new licenses altogether, sparking claims from the plaintiffs that this move stems from “pressure from the federal government.”
According to the lawsuit, these administrative errors threaten the careers and financial stability of many drivers, some of whom are the primary providers for their families. “Plaintiffs have bought homes, cars, and trucks, relying on their ability to continue working a well-paying job that requires a CDL,” the lawsuit states. The ramifications extend beyond job loss; many families face severe financial and emotional distress due to the DMV’s actions.
The lawsuit, backed by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus, is calling on the Alameda County Superior Court to pause the planned license cancellations. The situation has escalated following a tragic incident involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant truck driver who was charged with vehicular homicide after causing a fatal accident. Singh had received his CDL from California despite failing an English Language Proficiency assessment.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly criticized California for its handling of CDLs, threatening to withdraw $40 million in federal funding if the state does not comply with federal English-language requirements. This crackdown follows revelations that the DMV unlawfully issued 17,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses, a number that has since grown to over 20,000.
As the lawsuit unfolds, affected drivers and their families are anxiously awaiting the court’s decision. The outcome could have profound implications for the trucking industry in California and the livelihoods of thousands who depend on their licenses for work.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as it unfolds with potential repercussions for both immigrant drivers and the broader transportation sector.
