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The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, urged the Supreme Court of the United States to stop California and Washington from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented drivers, arguing that they violate federal requirements for safety and immigration status.
According to CBS News, the lawsuit accuses both states of “ignoring” federal regulations by allowing immigrants without proper training or proficiency in English to operate commercial vehicles traveling between states.
The text requests precautionary measures for California and Washington to stop issuing learning permits and commercial licenses to applicants who are not citizens or legal permanent residents.
It argues that both states ignored federal regulations and authorized undocumented immigrants “without the proper training or the ability to read the signs.”
The trigger was the case of the truck driver Harjinder Singh, allegedly in the country illegally and holding licenses from California and Washington, arrested after an accident in St. Lucie County that resulted in three fatalities.
The case gained notoriety following the crash in St. Lucie County that resulted in three fatalities, for which Harjinder Singh was arrested. According to the lawsuit, he was in the country illegally and had obtained licenses in California and Washington.
In August, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation warned that California, Washington, and New Mexico could lose funding if they did not implement the English language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers; this week, he announced the withholding of approximately 40 million dollars from California for that reason.
"California is the only state that refuses to guarantee that drivers can read signs and communicate with authorities," the statement said.
Florida asserts that federal regulations take precedence over state laws that prevent checking immigration status when applying for licenses, and describes the practice as a "public nuisance" that extends beyond borders because truck drivers travel between states.
In seeking the Supreme Court's permission to sue (via original jurisdiction), the state asserts that its claims are "serious and worthy" and that there is no alternative forum that provides an adequate remedy.
The clash is also framed by the tensions between the federal administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the enforcement of immigration laws.
The Supreme Court will have to decide whether to allow Florida to present the case. If granted, the court will assess whether California and Washington can maintain their licensing policies or if they must comply with the federal standards claimed by Florida.
As a result of the case of Harjinder Singh, the U.S. Department of Transportation has tightened the requirements for non-citizens to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDL).
Now, only those with certain visas (H-2A, H-2B, and E-2) will be able to obtain them, and it will be mandatory to verify immigration status in a federal database.
In addition, the licenses will have a maximum validity of one year or until the expiration of the visa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida's Lawsuit Against California and Washington Regarding Licenses for Undocumented Truck Drivers
Why is Florida suing California and Washington over licenses for undocumented truck drivers?
Florida, through its Attorney General James Uthmeier, accuses California and Washington of violating federal regulations by granting commercial driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, which they consider a breach of security requirements and immigration status. The lawsuit seeks to have the Supreme Court halt the issuance of these licenses.
What was the trigger for Florida to file the lawsuit?
The case of the truck driver Harjinder Singh, who caused a fatal accident in Florida while driving with commercial licenses obtained in California and Washington, was the catalyst for Florida to file the lawsuit. Singh, an undocumented immigrant, is accused of causing an accident that resulted in three deaths.
What measures is Florida taking to control undocumented truck drivers?
Florida has implemented new restrictions that include immigration checks and English proficiency tests at its agricultural inspection stations, which now operate as border control points for drivers. This is part of an effort to prevent truck drivers without legal immigration status from traveling on its roads.
How does Florida's policy affect immigrant truck drivers?
Florida's policies have raised concerns about potential discrimination and massive job losses among immigrant truck drivers. Immigration rights organizations warn that these measures could disrupt supply chains and increase racial profiling, affecting drivers who, despite being legal, fear traveling through Florida.
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