UPDATE: A group of immigrant truck and commercial vehicle drivers has initiated a lawsuit against California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) over plans to revoke thousands of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The lawsuit was filed on December 5, 2023, amid rising tensions regarding compliance with newly imposed federal guidelines.
The DMV’s controversial decision, announced in November 2023, threatens to revoke licenses from over 20,000 drivers unless they can provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency by early 2026. This move has raised significant concerns about the livelihoods of numerous families dependent on these licenses for their income.
Plaintiffs argue that the DMV’s actions, reportedly influenced by federal pressure, jeopardize thousands of drivers’ jobs, homes, and financial stability. Many of these drivers are the primary breadwinners for their families, and losing their CDLs would impose severe financial and emotional hardships.
“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 DMV’s actions will result in the loss of their hard-earned careers.”
The legal challenge is being spearheaded by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus, who are seeking a court order from Alameda County Superior Court to halt the license cancellations.
The backdrop to this lawsuit includes recent federal scrutiny of California’s DMV practices. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly criticized the state for not adhering to federal English-language requirements for truck drivers. This crackdown follows a tragic incident where an unlawful immigrant, Harjinder Singh, received a CDL and was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide after a fatal accident caused by an illegal maneuver.
In November, the DMV admitted to erroneously issuing 17,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to migrant drivers, a number that has since escalated. The DMV’s decision to halt the issuance of new licenses frustrated many drivers who fear for their futures.
As this situation continues to develop, the implications for California’s transportation sector and the immigrant community could be profound. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for clarity in the application of licensing standards and the rights of immigrant drivers.
The immediate focus now shifts to the court’s response to the lawsuit, which could reshape the landscape for thousands of drivers across California. As the community watches closely, the outcome of this case may set a precedent for similar actions in other states.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue affecting thousands of hardworking families in California.
