Trump Administration Imposes Stricter CDL Rules for Non-Citizens Amid Safety Concerns and State Pushback
New Department of Transportation rules significantly restrict non-U.S. citizens from obtaining commercial driver's licenses, limiting eligibility to three specific visas, following fatal accidents and widespread improper issuances.
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Overview
- The Trump administration, through the Department of Transportation, has imposed new, stricter rules making it significantly harder for non-U.S. citizens to obtain Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) due to safety concerns.
- These new regulations restrict noncitizen truck drivers to those holding one of three specific employment-based visas, requiring mandatory federal immigration status checks for all CDL applicants.
- The stricter standards follow high-profile fatal accidents in Texas, Alabama, and Florida, allegedly caused by unqualified non-citizen drivers, prompting a nationwide audit and investigations.
- A nationwide audit revealed that 190,000 out of 200,000 non-citizens with commercial licenses were improperly issued, highlighting a significant systemic failure in state-level compliance.
- Widespread noncompliance was found by the FMCSA, with California refuting claims, and states risk losing federal highway funding if they do not comply within 30 days.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the new, stricter rules for noncitizen truck drivers. They detail the rationale behind the changes, including fatal crashes and audit findings, while also incorporating California's counter-arguments and an expert's perspective on the potential impact on the trucking industry. The reporting avoids loaded language and attributes strong statements to specific officials.
"The new rules only allow noncitizen drivers who have three specific visas to qualify."
ABC News"The new rules only allow noncitizen drivers who have three specific visas to qualify."
Associated Press"The Transportation Department will immediately tighten up the requirements for non-citizens to get commercial drivers licenses after three fatal crashes this year that officials say were caused by immigrant truck drivers who never should have received licenses."
ABC NewsArticles (11)
Center (3)
FAQ
Non-U.S. citizens must hold one of three specific employment-based visas to be eligible for commercial driver's licenses under the new regulations.
The stricter rules followed high-profile fatal accidents in Texas, Alabama, and Florida allegedly caused by unqualified non-citizen drivers, prompting investigations and audits.
A nationwide audit revealed that 190,000 out of 200,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to non-citizens were improperly issued, indicating significant systemic failures.
States that do not comply with the new federal regulations within 30 days risk losing federal highway funding.
California has refuted claims of widespread noncompliance but was specifically singled out by the Secretary of Transportation for an 'egregious licensing situation.'
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