Summary
California has decided to delay taking back 17,000 commercial driver's licenses from immigrant truckers until March, following a lawsuit. The delay aims to give drivers more time to prove they qualify for these licenses legally. The U.S. Transportation Department had pressured the state to act sooner, highlighting issues with checking immigration status and enforcing English proficiency.
Key Facts
- California will delay revoking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses to March.
- The delay follows a lawsuit filed by immigrant groups.
- The U.S. Transportation Department may withhold $160 million if deadlines are not met.
- An audit found problems with immigration status checks and English proficiency.
- Secretary Sean Duffy already withheld $40 million in federal funding from California.
- The Transportation Department is focused on preventing unauthorized drivers from posing road safety risks.
- Immigrants make up about 20% of truck drivers in the U.S.
- Proposed restrictions on noncitizen licenses are currently on hold by a court.
