Washington State probes how illegal immigrant got commercial license
The Washington State Department of Licensing is currently investigating how an illegal immigrant was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license, sparking concerns and questions about state licensing loopholes and immigration enforcement in the wake of a tragic crash in Florida that claimed the lives of three individuals.
The suspect, Harjinder Singh, entered the country illegally in 2018 and was denied authorization to work by the Trump administration in 2020. Despite this, he managed to obtain a commercial driver’s license in both California and Washington, which is against the law in the latter state.
The fatal crash occurred when Singh allegedly made an unauthorized U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, causing a collision with a minivan. Federal investigators later discovered that he had failed an English proficiency assessment and a road sign test.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has yet to comment on the issuance of Singh’s license, but there have been exchanges between California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin regarding his work permit.
Singh was extradited to Florida from California, raising concerns about similar incidents in other states where illegal immigrants may be obtaining licenses through illicit means. Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, explained that there may be loopholes allowing states to issue CDLs to individuals who are only authorized to work in the U.S.
The case of Harjinder Singh highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement surrounding commercial driver’s licenses and immigration status. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals who may not have the proper qualifications or legal status to operate commercial vehicles on the road.
For more updates on immigration and border security issues, stay tuned to Fox News Digital for the latest developments.
By Cameron Arcand, Politics Writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand
