State Audit Targets Commercial Driver’s Licenses in California
California officials announced plans to revoke approximately 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants after discovering that some of them were valid beyond the holders’ authorized stay in the United States. The review, conducted by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), aims to ensure compliance with state laws regulating the validity of licenses for noncitizens.
Ensuring Compliance with Legal Residency Requirements
According to state representatives, the decision is based on a law requiring that driver’s licenses expire on or before the date an individual’s legal authorization to remain in the U.S. ends. The affected drivers have been notified that their licenses will expire within 60 days.
Officials also clarified that each of the affected drivers held valid federal work authorizations at the time the licenses were issued.
Ongoing Debate Between Federal and State Regulations
The announcement has drawn national attention amid ongoing discussions about how states verify immigration status for commercial driver’s licenses. Federal authorities have raised concerns over inconsistencies among states in applying these verification processes.
California maintains that it followed guidance provided by the Department of Homeland Security when issuing the licenses and that it will continue to update its procedures to align with federal standards.
Stricter Federal Rules for Commercial Licenses
The federal government has introduced new regulations that significantly limit which immigrants can qualify for commercial driver’s licenses. Only workers with H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas will be eligible, and states must confirm applicants’ immigration status through federal databases.
While these rules will not apply retroactively, they will narrow eligibility in future applications. California’s review of the 17,000 licenses reflects the state’s effort to ensure full compliance with both state and federal law.
