Republican bill targets driver licenses for illegal immigrants nationwide

Fox News Exclusive: Republican Proposal Aims to Close Loopholes for Illegal Immigrant Driver’s Licenses

A new proposal introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, is seeking to address the issue of illegal immigrants obtaining driver’s licenses in certain states. The “Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act” comes in response to a recent tragic incident in Florida, where an illegal immigrant from India was involved in a deadly truck crash that claimed the lives of three individuals.

According to Arrington, states that provide driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants are not only violating federal laws but also putting the safety of law-abiding Americans at risk. Currently, 19 states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, offer some form of driver’s licenses to individuals regardless of their legal status.

The proposed legislation would eliminate federal funding for states that issue licenses to illegal immigrants and require state and local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Arrington emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of American citizens.

Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) typically involve a more rigorous application process compared to standard licenses. However, questions arose following the Florida crash about how the suspect, Harjinder Singh, was able to obtain a CDL in Washington state and later in California. California officials cited Singh’s work permit as justification for issuing him a CDL.

The Department of Homeland Security has been actively monitoring cases involving illegal immigrants involved in serious car crashes. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents and emphasized the preventable nature of these tragedies.

In response to the Florida crash, the Department of Transportation issued a 30-day deadline for California, New Mexico, and Washington state to ensure compliance with federal regulations for CDLs. California and New Mexico have indicated that they believe they are already in alignment with these regulations.

The proposed legislation aims to address the issue of illegal immigrants obtaining driver’s licenses and enhance cooperation between state and federal authorities in immigration enforcement efforts. The safety and security of American citizens remain a top priority in these efforts.

For more information on immigration issues and legislative updates, stay tuned to Fox News Digital.

Content by Cameron Arcand, Politics Writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Connect on Twitter: @cameron_arcand