Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of dishonesty regarding the state’s compliance with federal regulations. Duffy stated that California risks losing approximately $160 million in federal funds if it does not revoke foreign trucker licenses by the original deadline of January 5, 2024. This situation arose after a lawsuit was filed by a group of immigrant truckers against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), alleging violations of workers’ rights due to plans to revoke thousands of unlawfully issued licenses.
The DMV initially announced an extension of the revocation deadline to March 6, 2024, in a statement released on Tuesday. However, Duffy criticized this decision, asserting that Newsom’s administration is misleading the public about the federal stance. He emphasized that there are no federally granted extensions for these licenses, stating, “California does NOT have an ‘extension’ to keep breaking the law and putting Americans at risk on the roads.”
In response to Duffy’s claims, Newsom’s office did not provide any comments when approached by the media. The lawsuit, which represents approximately 20,000 immigrant drivers and business owners, argues that administrative errors by the DMV have jeopardized the livelihoods of these individuals by threatening their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The DMV admitted in November that it had unlawfully issued 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs to migrant drivers, further complicating the matter.
Duffy revealed the DMV’s admission during a press briefing, underscoring the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) commitment to ensuring that California addresses the issue. He stated that the DOT would insist that California prove it has eliminated illegal immigrants from operating commercial vehicles, including semitrucks and school buses.
The lawsuit highlights the potential negative impact on thousands of drivers, arguing that revoking their licenses would not only end their careers but also impose severe financial and emotional hardships on their families. In the DMV’s recent announcement regarding the deadline extension, the department expressed hope that additional time would allow for a resolution that enables drivers to continue working and servicing their communities.
Steve Gordon, Director of the California DMV, commented on the importance of commercial drivers to the economy, stating, “Our supply chains don’t move, and our communities don’t stay connected without them.” He expressed optimism that collaboration with the federal government would lead to renewed confidence in California’s processes concerning the issuance of nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses.
In an earlier warning issued in October, Duffy indicated that California could lose $40 million in federal funds if it did not comply with the DOT’s English-language requirements for truck drivers. This warning followed a tragic accident involving an illegal immigrant truck driver, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
As the situation unfolds, both state officials and affected drivers are navigating a complex landscape of legal, financial, and social implications. The outcome of this dispute may significantly impact California’s trucking industry and the livelihoods of many who depend on it.
