URGENT UPDATE: A coalition of immigrant truck drivers has just filed a lawsuit against California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), demanding immediate action to halt the planned revocation of thousands of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The DMV’s controversial decision, set to begin in early 2026, threatens the livelihoods of approximately 20,000 immigrant drivers across the state.
The lawsuit, filed on December 10, 2023, claims that the DMV’s actions violate workers’ rights by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency under new federal guidelines. Many drivers, who depend on their CDLs to support their families, face severe financial hardships as a result of this sudden policy shift.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the DMV initially notified drivers and business owners in November that the revocations would commence unless compliance with the new regulations was met. However, following backlash and claims of administrative errors, the DMV reversed its course on issuing new licenses, stopping issuance altogether. Plaintiffs allege that this change stems from “pressure from the federal government.”
“Plaintiffs have bought homes, cars, and trucks, relying on their ability to continue working a well-paying job that requires a CDL. Many drivers are the main or even sole providers for their families,”
the lawsuit states, emphasizing the emotional and financial impact on these individuals.
The controversy escalated after a tragic accident involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant who was charged with vehicular homicide after his illegal U-turn resulted in the deaths of three people on Florida’s Turnpike. Singh had previously obtained his CDL from California despite failing an English Language Proficiency assessment.
In response to this incident, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly criticized California for ignoring federal language requirements for truck drivers and threatened to withhold $40 million in federal funds. In November, the DMV disclosed that it had unlawfully issued a staggering 17,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to migrant drivers. This number has since risen to over 20,000, as confirmed by ABC News.
The lawsuit is spearheaded by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus, both prominent civil rights organizations, which are urging the Alameda County Superior Court to intervene and pause the license cancellations.
As this situation continues to unfold, the future of thousands of immigrant drivers hangs in the balance. The implications of this case extend beyond just the licenses—drivers are facing the very real threat of losing their homes and the financial stability of their families.
What to watch for: The court’s response to this urgent request could set a crucial precedent for immigrant rights and labor protections in California. As the legal battle heats up, affected drivers and advocates are calling for immediate support and awareness on this pressing issue.
