Undocumented immigrants in the freight sector have drawn increased scrutiny from lawmakers and industry stakeholders. (welcoma/Getty Images)
March 6, 2026 12:23 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Republican lawmakers are pursuing stricter English‑language and eligibility standards for CDL applicants.
- Dalilah’s Law would restrict CDL issuance to citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders.
- Federal officials report states improperly issued CDLs, prompting enhanced oversight.
WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans renewed calls for stricter English‑language requirements for commercial driver license holders, citing safety concerns highlighted by President Donald Trump during his recent State of the Union address.
On March 4, Rep. Josh Brecheen (R‑Okla.), chairman of the House Oversight, Investigations and Accountability Subcommittee, pressed for tougher enforcement to ensure CDL holders comply with federal and state regulatory standards.
Brecheen is among a group of Republicans pointing to safety risks tied to non‑domiciled CDL issuance, enforcement challenges and potential gaps in state and federal oversight. The issue of undocumented immigrants in the freight sector has drawn increased scrutiny from lawmakers and industry stakeholders amid findings of inconsistent CDL compliance and concerns about unauthorized drivers operating commercial vehicles.
“This issue has seen real and devastating consequences. In 2025 alone, at least 17 fatal crashes resulting in 30 deaths were caused by illegal aliens driving commercial vehicles with CDLs,” Brecheen said, citing a series of high‑profile crashes. One example involved a 2024 commercial vehicle crash in California that seriously injured then‑5‑year‑old Dalilah Coleman.
“We must remain vigilant. We must make sure the states enforce the law and keep licenses away from unqualified people,” Brecheen added. “This is not only a matter of public safety, but a matter of national security.”
A day after Trump’s annual address to Congress, Sen. Jim Banks (R‑Ind.) introduced legislation known as Dalilah’s Law, which would impose additional requirements on CDL issuance. The bill, unveiled Feb. 25, responds directly to the president’s call for action and would require states to adopt stricter standards related to undocumented immigrants seeking commercial driving privileges.
“Too many people have been hurt. Too many have been killed,” Banks said. “Americans are paying the price because illegal drivers are being handed commercial driver’s licenses like candy and put behind the wheel of 80,000‑pound trucks. That stops now. Dalilah’s Law makes it clear: If you are here illegally, you do not get a CDL.”
English-Only Testing Standards
The measure, which awaits committee consideration, would mandate English‑only testing standards for obtaining a CDL. It also would limit eligibility to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain work‑visa holders. Under the proposal, trucking licenses issued to “illegal aliens” or individuals with temporary status would be revoked, according to background information provided by the senator’s office.
Separately, Banks last month launched a tip line for commercial drivers and trucking industry employees to report concerns about carriers suspected of employing or contracting undocumented immigrants.
During his Feb. 24 State of the Union, Trump urged Congress to send legislation to his desk that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from obtaining CDLs.
“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,” Trump told lawmakers.
DOT Takes Action
Since the start of Trump’s second term, the Department of Transportation has identified links between undocumented immigrants and unsafe commercial driving practices. In response, the department has moved to strengthen English‑language requirements for commercial drivers and tighten oversight of CDL issuance nationwide. DOT determined several states improperly issued CDLs.
“President Trump and I are committed to keeping you and your family safe on our roads,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said earlier this year in support of the CDL reviews.
The Road is CLEAR — follow the rules or GET OFF the highway
Under @FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs:
Stop CDL fraud and bad actors
Back hardworking drivers
This is just the beginning https://t.co/gaXBMo9Sno pic.twitter.com/4naVo2Sehy
— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) March 4, 2026
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Derek Barrs added, “Under Secretary Duffy, we will not hesitate to hold states accountable and protect the American people.”
According to a Department of Homeland Security report issued in September, an undocumented driver from India, Partap Singh, caused a multivehicle pileup June 20, 2024, while operating a commercial truck. Singh, who was later arrested, obtained a CDL in California. Dalilah Coleman was injured in the crash.
