Transportation Department tightens non-citizen truck driver rules after fatal crash in Florida
Share this @internewscast.com

The Transportation Department is set to immediately tighten the requirements for non-citizens obtaining commercial drivers licenses following three fatal incidents this year, which officials attribute to immigrant truck drivers who should not have received licenses.

A nationwide review of these licenses started after a deadly U-turn crash in Florida, killing two, caused by a truck driver reportedly in the country illegally. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited additional fatal crashes earlier this year in Texas and Alabama, attributed to truck drivers lacking proper licenses.

Duffy also warned California of losing $160 million in federal funds because investigators revealed that out of the 145 commercial licenses for non-citizens issued since June, a quarter were granted improperly. California has 30 days to audit its program and propose compliance plans or face funding cuts.

Duffy highlighted the insufficiency of current rules and noted that several states are not adhering to them. The audit uncovered improperly issued licenses in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.

“We have a government system designed to keep American families on the road safe. But that system has been compromised,” Duffy said.

In the past, Duffy also threatened to withdraw federal funding from California, Washington, and New Mexico for not enforcing the newly established English proficiency requirements for truckers. The Transportation Department continues to assess the responses from these states.

All states must pause issuing commercial drivers licenses to non-citizens until they can comply with the new rules.

Officials note that under the new rules, around 190,000 of the 200,000 non-citizens holding these commercial licenses wouldn’t qualify for one, although existing licenses will remain valid as rules aren’t retroactive. Moving forward, only applicants with an H-2a, H-2b, or E-2 visa can obtain a commercial driver’s license, with an employment authorization document alone no longer sufficient.

The Florida crash drew outrage from President Donald Trump and Duffy and inspired a political fight between the governors of Florida and California. It also put Sikh truck drivers in the crossfire because the truck driver in the Florida crash is a member of that faith.

On August 12, Harjinder Singh made the illegal turn from northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, the Florida Highway Patrol said. A minivan that was traveling behind him was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer, which blocked the northbound lanes.

Two passengers in the minivan died at the scene and the driver died at a hospital. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured.

Singh lived in California but he was originally issued a commercial driver’s license in Washington before California issued him a license later. The fallout from the crash fueled a verbal tussle between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration.

Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after his criminal case is complete.

Singh faces an arraignment hearing Monday on charges of vehicular homicide and manslaughter, according to court records in St. Lucie County, Florida.

Singh has retained a private lawyer, Natalie Knight-Tai, to represent him, records show.

___

Associated Press Writer Jeff Martin contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Legendary Oakland football coach, Netflix star shot after gunman opens fire at California college

Renowned Oakland Football Coach and Netflix Personality Injured in Shooting Incident at California College

The Oakland Police Department is actively probing an incident in which a…
Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars

Bryan Kohberger’s Unexpected Jail Windfall: Court Orders Compensation to Victims’ Families

An Idaho court disclosed that Bryan Kohberger, a convicted murderer, amassed substantial…
CurlMix, Chicago business featured on 'Shark Tank' in 2019, asks for help amid economic struggles, tariffs

Chicago’s CurlMix Calls for Community Support Amid Economic Hurdles and Tariff Challenges After ‘Shark Tank’ Fame

In Chicago, a business owner who gained recognition on the popular television…
BROADWAY REVIEW: ‘Oedipus’ blends Greek tragedy and modern political intrigue

Broadway Review: ‘Oedipus’ Seamlessly Integrates Classic Greek Tragedy with Contemporary Political Drama

A countdown clock ticks away at the campaign headquarters of Oedipus, a…
Illinois SNAP benefits: Food aid recipients to receive all November benefits by next week following end of government shutdown

Illinois SNAP Recipients to Receive Full November Benefits Promptly After Government Shutdown Resolution

CHICAGO — Illinois residents who depend on SNAP benefits may start receiving…
Epstein Files Discharge Petition Hits House Milestone

Epstein Files Discharge Petition Reaches Significant Milestone in the House

The movement to force disclosure of government-held Jeffrey Epstein records has reached…
Judge should wait before naming Rikers receiver

Critical Decision on Rikers Island Receiver: Why Patience is Key

This year, twelve individuals have tragically lost their lives in the city’s…
Illegal alien truck driver presses for blood samples, vehicle analysis in deadly Florida disaster

Undocumented Truck Driver Requests Blood Tests and Vehicle Examination Following Fatal Florida Incident

In a dramatic courtroom appearance, Harjinder Singh faced the legal consequences of…
Americans report dramatic drop in importance of faith, poll finds

Shocking Poll Reveals Dramatic Decline in Faith’s Importance Among Americans

‘Pitt for Jesus’ event draws nearly 600 attendees Jake Overman, a tight…
Gov. JB Pritzker believes government shutdown will help Democrats in 2026 midterm elections, Republicans disagree

Gov. Pritzker Predicts Government Shutdown Impact on 2026 Elections, Sparks Debate with Republicans

CHICAGO — The recent government shutdown is poised to influence the 2026…
Luigi Mangione's lawyers cry foul over portrayal of him as 'left-wing' and Antifa

Mangione’s Lawyers Claim Police Altered Mother’s Statement in CEO Murder Investigation

Luigi Mangione’s legal representatives are urging prosecutors to verify if his mother…
Judge that ordered release of 600 Chicago illegal immigrants slammed by DHS as activist putting lives at risk

Controversial Judge’s Decision to Release 600 Immigrants in Chicago Sparks DHS Backlash Over Public Safety Concerns

A federal judge in Chicago has mandated the Department of Homeland Security…