New rules for noncitizen truck drivers after fatal crash in Florida

Following three deadly crashes involving immigrant truck drivers who should not have been granted licenses, the Department of Transportation will be implementing stricter requirements for noncitizens to obtain commercial driver's licenses. Under the new regulations, only three specific classes of visa holders will be eligible, and states must verify applicants' immigration status in a federal database. These licenses will generally be valid for up to one year, unless the visa of the applicant expires sooner. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern over fatal crashes in Florida, Texas, and Alabama caused by immigrant truck drivers with unauthorized licenses. California is under scrutiny for improperly issuing licenses to noncitizens, potentially risking federal funding. All states must halt issuing commercial licenses to noncitizens until they can comply with the new rules. Despite the reported shortage of truck drivers, the Department of Transportation does not anticipate any issues as these noncitizen licenses account for only about 5% of all commercial licenses. The American Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association have supported the audit of commercial licenses, aiming to ensure that only qualified and authorized individuals receive licenses. The recent crashes have sparked disputes among political leaders and have put Sikh truck drivers in the spotlight.