Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant, is accused of causing a fatal truck crash in Fort Pierce, Florida, after obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) despite not meeting legal requirements. Officials have confirmed that Singh failed English and road sign tests, raising concerns over how he was issued his licenses in Washington and California. The incident has sparked a national debate over state-level loopholes in CDL issuance and the need for federal intervention to address these gaps.
The Department of Transportation is investigating whether the states followed federal regulations in granting Singh his licenses. Lora Ries of The Heritage Foundation explained that states can issue CDLs to individuals authorized to work in the U.S., not necessarily just citizens or green card holders. This legal gray area may have allowed Singh to obtain his licenses despite his illegal status. Ries called for immediate federal action to close this loophole under the interstate commerce clause and federal immigration authority. She emphasized that the Trump administration denied Singh’s work authorization, but the Biden administration later approved it, which could have exploited the CDL loophole in a willing state.
Officials from California and the Department of Homeland Security have been actively involved in discussing the matter, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and CDL regulations. A recent debate on X showcased the controversy over who issued Singh’s work permit, with California’s press office defending its adherence to federal law. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified that Singh’s work authorization was initially denied by the Trump administration but later approved under the Biden administration. This timeline has intensified the discussion on the responsibility of federal and state governments in preventing such incidents.
Experts and lawmakers are now calling for comprehensive reforms to ensure that only individuals with proper legal status can obtain CDLs. The incident has put pressure on policymakers to tighten regulations and prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the Attorney General’s office are being sought for further comment on the matter. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on how such a licensing lapse could have occurred and the broader implications for immigration policy and road safety.
The tragedy has also sparked political discourse, with some advocating for stricter border control and immigration reforms. The discussion highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities in regulating immigration and ensuring public safety. As the nation grapples with these issues, the case of Harjinder Singh serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous licensing procedures and the need for federal oversight in matters of public safety and immigration.