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In a significant legislative move, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has announced plans to introduce a bill that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), directly responding to President Donald Trump’s call to action during his recent State of the Union address.
The proposed legislation, dubbed “Dalilah’s Law,” is named after a young girl who sustained severe, life-altering injuries in a 2024 California crash. The accident was allegedly caused by Partap Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India who was operating a tractor-trailer at the time of the collision.
“The Dems are not acting rationally these days,” Cornyn told Fox News Digital. “And, of course, anything that they think is something that Trump would support or likes they sort of reflexively oppose.”
President Trump highlighted the issue during his fourth State of the Union address, arguing that “many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger, or location.” He explicitly called on Congress to pass what he termed the “Dalilah Law” to prevent states from issuing commercial driving credentials to undocumented individuals.
The bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where it would need to clear the 60-vote filibuster threshold to advance. This means Democratic support would be essential for passage—support that Cornyn acknowledges is unlikely in the current political climate.
“In a normal world, this would not be controversial,” Cornyn said, echoing Trump’s characterization of Democratic opposition. “But like the president said last night, ‘Those people are crazy.'”
The legislation would primarily impact blue states like California, whose commercial licensing standards have come under scrutiny from the Trump administration. Transportation safety experts have long expressed concerns about licensing requirements and verification procedures that vary widely from state to state.
Under Cornyn’s proposal, states would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal status of CDL applicants. States failing to comply would face consequences, including ineligibility for certain federal transportation grants. Additionally, the bill would establish a federal felony offense for undocumented immigrants traveling across state lines or engaging in foreign commerce using a commercial driver’s license.
The senator framed the legislation as complementary to Trump’s broader immigration agenda, specifically targeting what he describes as incentives for illegal entry into the United States.
“Border Patrol officials often discuss immigration in terms of push and pull factors,” Cornyn explained. Push factors include conditions that drive people to leave their home countries, such as poverty or “wanting a better life,” which Cornyn acknowledged as understandable motivations.
“But they talk about the pull factors, or the things that we do here that make it more likely that people will come to the country illegally, and this would be one of them,” he added.
The proposal comes amid heightened national debate over immigration policy and transportation safety regulations. The trucking industry, which faces ongoing driver shortages, has been scrutinized for hiring practices and safety standards. According to industry data, commercial vehicle accidents involving large trucks result in thousands of fatalities annually, though comprehensive statistics on drivers’ immigration status are not consistently tracked.
Transportation safety advocates have called for stricter licensing standards and better verification procedures across all states, while immigration rights organizations have expressed concern about potential discrimination and labor market impacts of such restrictions.
As the bill moves forward, it will likely become another flashpoint in the contentious national conversation about immigration enforcement and states’ rights regarding transportation regulation.
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13 Comments
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I’m curious to see how the legislative process unfolds and what compromises or alternative solutions may emerge.
This proposed legislation seems like a reasonable measure to address public safety concerns. However, it’s important to balance immigration policies with compassion and consideration for those affected.
This proposal seems to be driven more by political considerations than a genuine effort to improve public safety. I hope lawmakers can move past partisan gridlock and find a practical solution that works for everyone.
Preventing undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope lawmakers can find a balanced solution that prioritizes safety while upholding human rights.
While I understand the motivation behind this bill, I worry it could have unintended consequences for the transportation industry and the livelihoods of undocumented workers. A nuanced approach may be more effective.
Preventing undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses may address some safety concerns, but it could also create workforce shortages in the transportation sector. A balanced approach is needed.
That’s an excellent point. The potential labor market impacts should be carefully considered as part of the policymaking process.
This seems like a politically charged issue. I’d be curious to hear from transportation experts, immigrant advocates, and other stakeholders to get a more complete picture of the potential impacts.
That’s a good point. Any policy changes should consider input from diverse perspectives to ensure fair and effective solutions.
This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. I hope lawmakers can move past partisan politics and find a balanced solution that prioritizes public safety while also respecting the rights and livelihoods of undocumented workers.
I’m curious to see how this legislative battle plays out. While road safety is crucial, I hope lawmakers can find a way to address the issue without resorting to overly punitive measures against undocumented immigrants.
The safety of drivers and the public is paramount, but this proposal may unfairly target undocumented immigrants. I hope lawmakers can find a balanced approach that upholds public safety while respecting human rights.
While I understand the rationale behind this bill, I worry it could have negative economic impacts on the transportation industry, which relies heavily on immigrant labor. A more nuanced approach may be warranted.