A new U.S. Department of Transportation rule will affect about 200,000 immigrant truck drivers because their commercial driver’s licenses will begin to expire and will not need to be renewed under a new policy that takes effect Monday. The change has drawn concern from the trucking industry and legal challenges from immigrant drivers and advocacy groups.Under the rule, asylum seekers, refugees or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries will no longer be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or renew an existing driver’s license after it expires. The driver’s license will not be revoked immediately, but the holder will risk losing the right to drive when the current license expires.The trucking industry is vital to the U.S. economy, transporting more than 70% of freight across the country, such as food, machinery and hazardous materials. The industry is already facing challenges such as rising energy costs, high turnover and supply chain pressures. Critics warn that taking so many drivers off the road could reduce the available workforce and increase transportation costs for companies and consumers.Some drivers have taken legal action to block the policy. Supporters of the rules, including Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, say it will improve road safety by tightening licensing standards for drivers who have not previously been properly qualified. Opponents argue the policy unfairly singles out immigrants, with no evidence they are less safe drivers. Truck drivers of all backgrounds still must complete driving school and pass the same exams to obtain a license.In some states, licensing battles continue. In California, a court has tentatively ruled that more than 20,000 immigrant drivers should be allowed to temporarily keep their licenses while legal battles continue, even as the federal policy moves forward.The rule may not lead to an immediate shortage of drivers, but it could prompt companies to raise rates and lead to higher commodity prices.
