URGENT UPDATE: Pro-Democrat labor unions have launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging new rules targeting illegal migrant truck drivers. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) emergency regulations that could impact approximately 200,000 non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders.
The legal action arrives as a direct response to the DOT’s recent mandate that non-citizen drivers must undergo federal immigration status checks to obtain a CDL. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced this controversial rule in September 2023, citing a series of serious accidents linked to illegal migrant drivers, including a tragic crash in Florida that claimed three lives when a truck driver took an unlawful U-turn.
“We believe this rule is not only illegal but cruel,” stated AFT President Randi Weingarten in a press release. “It punishes hardworking immigrants who are simply trying to support their families.” The unions argue that the crackdown endangers the livelihoods of asylum seekers and refugees in the trucking industry, many of whom play vital roles in the economy.
The DOT’s new regulation has raised alarms among labor groups, as it effectively restricts access to the trucking profession for non-residents. In August, Duffy cited findings from an ongoing investigation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which revealed unlawful practices by state officials issuing licenses to foreign drivers.
The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and labor rights. As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal migrant truckers, the unions contend that these measures are part of a broader agenda to undermine lawful immigrants seeking better opportunities.
In a recent operation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, alongside the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, apprehended over 90 illegal migrants operating commercial vehicles in just three days. This operation reflects the administration’s commitment to tightening enforcement measures and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
The impact of this lawsuit could be far-reaching, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers who contribute to the U.S. economy. As the legal battle unfolds, truck drivers and industry experts are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing concerns about the future of the trucking workforce and the implications for road safety.
Labor unions have historically supported Democratic candidates, including endorsements for Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. Their opposition to the Trump administration’s policies highlights the deepening divide over immigration and labor rights in the United States.
With the case now in the court system, stakeholders are urged to watch for developments that could reshape the landscape for non-domiciled CDL holders. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for future regulations impacting immigrant workers across various industries.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.
