Blue states like California and Washington are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. These states have begun issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens—people who should not be behind the wheel of our roads. This reckless policy not only undermines the rule of law but has also resulted in tragic incidents where American lives have been lost due to crashes involving these unqualified drivers. The priorities of liberal leaders seem to lie with non-citizens instead of protecting their own constituents, and it’s up to the federal government to intervene.
In a bold move, the federal administration is taking steps to address this issue. A crucial rule requiring commercial drivers to be proficient in English has been reintroduced. This rule isn’t new; it has been in place for decades for a good reason. Commercial drivers must understand road signs and communicate effectively to ensure safety on our highways. However, during the Obama administration, penalties for not speaking English were reduced to a mere slap on the wrist. The current administration has restored the strict enforcement of this rule, but California has refused to do its part.
California’s refusal to enforce these common-sense rules has significant implications. When drivers from California, who cannot understand English, get pulled over in states like Oklahoma, the situation becomes dire. If they were not held accountable at home, how can they be expected to adhere to the laws elsewhere? The federal government has already taken a strong step by pulling $40 million in funding from California due to its defiance. This is just the beginning; more action is needed to force compliance.
Moreover, the abuse of non-domiciled CDLs presents another alarming problem. Initially intended for Americans moving from one state to another, this provision has been twisted, allowing foreigners to obtain licenses illegally. In California, for instance, individuals on temporary work permits are being given CDLs that extend well beyond their legal status, creating a dangerous incentive for them to remain in the country. It is deeply unsettling to think that illegal immigrants are now authorized to operate large commercial vehicles, including those carrying hazardous materials and school buses.
The effects of these misguided policies are felt throughout the trucking industry and the nation. American truck drivers, once able to earn a decent living, now find themselves competing against unqualified drivers who have been placed on the road through lax state regulations. This surge of improperly licensed drivers has decimated the American trucking workforce, leading to industry woes that could have been avoided if states adhered to the law.
There are ongoing efforts to put an end to this madness. The federal government has instructed states to halt the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs to non-citizens and to reassess those licenses already issued. However, California remains obstinate, continuing its dangerous practices. The responsibility doesn’t just lie with the federal government; it’s time for state leaders to prioritize the safety of their citizens over the demands of an open-border agenda.
Ultimately, the safety of American roads is non-negotiable. It’s imperative that lawmakers put aside their partisan agendas and work toward enforcing rules that protect the lives of citizens. The liberal policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over American safety must be challenged and overturned. The time to act is now, before more innocent lives are lost to the reckless decisions made by those in power who have forgotten their responsibilities to the American people.
