Texas DPS Halts Issuing Commercial Driver Licenses To Some Immigrants Under Federal Rule Change

Staff Report

Edinburg, tx – The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Monday it has suspended issuing certain commercial driver licenses and permits in response to an emergency federal rule change.

The move complies with new guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which restricts states from issuing commercial licenses to non-domiciled drivers as well as non-citizens who are refugees, asylees or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Under the suspension, DPS will not issue, renew or reissue CDLs or commercial learner permits to applicants in those categories. Pending applications will be halted, and affected drivers will not be allowed to continue written or skills testing until further notice. DPS emphasized that it has never issued licenses to asylum seekers without approved lawful presence.

The change comes weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott directed DPS troopers and inspectors to begin English language proficiency reviews for commercial vehicle drivers. DPS said it will continue coordinating with federal officials and provide updates on its website.

Source — Texas Department of Public Safety.