Pennsylvania Faces Funding Cuts, CDL Program Decertification Over Immigration Enforcement Lapses
the U.S. Department of Transportation is threatening notable financial penalties and potential decertification of Pennsylvania’s commercial driver license (CDL) program due to alleged failures in verifying the immigration status of CDL applicants and holders. The stakes are high, with up to $75.5 million in federal funding potentially at risk.
The Department of Transportation’s preliminary findings, issued in a Nov. 19 letter, demand that Pennsylvania instantly halt the issuance of new CDLs and commercial learner’s permits. The state is also required to conduct a comprehensive audit of its CDL program and void any improperly issued licenses. Pennsylvania has 30 days to respond to the findings and present a case for why they should be disputed. The potential funding cuts woudl impact Fiscal Year 2027,beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
Thes adverse findings stem from stricter protocols implemented in late September by the Trump administration regarding immigration status verification for CDL issuance and renewal. The new rules aim to enhance national security by ensuring that individuals operating commercial vehicles are legally authorized to be in the United States.
Did you know?-A CDL is required for operating commercial motor vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.These regulations impact interstate commerce.
California faced similar scrutiny in a recent federal review. Initially disputing the preliminary findings,california ultimately acknowledged the need to revoke licenses held by 17,000 non-domiciled CDL holders,issuing 60-day expiration notices to those affected. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, notices have already been sent to these individuals, informing them that their licenses no longer meet federal requirements.
The situation underscores the growing federal focus on border security and its intersection with transportation infrastructure. Adding to the urgency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently arrested a 31-year-old man in Kansas on Nov. 9,alleging his involvement in terrorist activities in Uzbekistan. Federal authorities confirmed the individual had previously obtained a CDL in Pennsylvania.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlined specific lapses within the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). According to the FMCSA’s preliminary finding letter, issues ranged from “typographical errors committed by PennDOT employees” to more systemic failures in verifying lawful presence.
“FMCSA found two records where PennDOT issued non-domiciled CDLs with expiration dates that exceeded the expiration date found on the driver’s lawful presence document,” the letter stated, referencing a sample review conducted by the federal goverment. The agency also identified “four transactions where PennDOT provided no evidence that it required non-domiciled drivers to comply with the standards for providing proof of lawful presence at the time of the transaction,” alongside broader concerns regarding record-keeping accuracy.
Pro tip:-Non-domiciled drivers are those who hold a CDL from a state other than their primary residence. These drivers are subject to stricter verification requirements.
The implementation of these stricter CDL regulations has not been without legal challenges.Earlier this month,a federal appeals court temporarily halted the new non-domiciled CDL rule pending the outcome of an ongoing legal battle. However, on Nov. 19, the FMCSA filed a motion requesting the court to pause the case while the agency considers public comments on the interim final rule. The government intends to issue a final rule incorporating feedback received during the comment period.
The situation in Pennsylvania highlights the c
Reader question:-How might these federal regulations impact the trucking industry and the supply chain, notably during peak seasons?
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