There are growing concerns regarding how Harjinder Singh, a suspect in a tragic truck crash in Florida that resulted in three fatalities, managed to obtain his commercial driver’s license despite not passing essential tests in English and road signs. Singh, who reportedly entered the U.S. illegally, acquired a full-term commercial driver’s license in Washington in July 2023, followed by a limited license in California in 2024. Authorities are now investigating whether this issuance aligns with federal guidelines.
Lora Ries, who heads the Heritage Foundation’s Border Guard and Immigration Center, discussed the implications of these circumstances. She pointed out that states typically should not issue commercial driving licenses to individuals unless they are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Ries mentioned that the previous administration had denied Singh’s job application, but the current administration later approved it. This change has raised eyebrows and highlighted potential loopholes that could be exploited within the licensing process.
She proposed some measures aimed at closing existing gaps in regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. For instance, she emphasized that the federal government needs to address these loopholes under the Interstate Commerce Clause and urged the DHS to reconsider issuing work permits without a valid immigration application.
Some states, including California and Minnesota, have been known to permit individuals to drive without legal status, though obtaining a commercial license typically involves more stringent requirements. Recently, a dispute arose between California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the handling of work permits and how Singh acquired his licensing.
Interestingly, a spokesperson for Newsom appeared to highlight that the federal approvals during the Trump administration had facilitated Singh’s entry into the trucking profession. In a back-and-forth exchange on social media, representatives from both sides exchanged statements regarding Singh’s immigration status and the consequent licensing.
The unfolding narrative sheds light on the complexities of immigration and licensing regulations amid ongoing debates over policy adjustments in both state and federal systems. As investigations continue, more clarity on this situation is expected in the coming weeks.
