A US senator has introduced a bill in Congress known as the “Dalilah Law” that aims to prevent states from issuing commercial driver’s licences to illegal immigrants. Senator Jim Banks emphasized the need to remove “illegal alien truck drivers” from American roads to enhance safety, linking federal transport funding to compliance with the proposed legislation. The bill requires states to limit trucking licences to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain work visa holders, while also mandating that CDL tests be conducted only in English.
President Donald Trump had urged lawmakers during the State of the Union address to pass the “Dalilah Law,” highlighting the increasing number of fatalities involving heavy trucks. Senator Banks stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that too many lives have been lost due to illegal drivers being granted commercial driver’s licences. The bill is named after Dalilah Coleman, a first-grader who was severely injured in a crash caused by an illegal alien truck driver. Banks called for immediate action to address the issue of “chameleon carrier” trucking networks operating in Indiana, citing instances of fatal accidents involving illegal alien truck drivers.
The proposed legislation comes in response to a series of tragic incidents, including a six-car pile-up in which a first-grader was injured, and a fatal crash in California involving an illegal alien from India. The bill aims to ensure that only individuals with legal status are eligible for commercial driver’s licences, with a focus on enhancing road safety by preventing illegal drivers from operating heavy trucks. The issue of immigration status and eligibility for licences remains a contentious topic in the United States.
