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Emigration and immigration

Investigation into Commercial Driver's License Issuance for Illegal Immigrant Raises Questions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent crash in Florida that killed three people has led to a renewed debate over state licensing loopholes and immigration enforcement. The Washington State Department of Licensing is investigating how an illegal immigrant, Harjinder Singh, obtained a commercial driver's license despite being denied authorization to work by the Trump administration in 2020. Singh entered the United States illegally in 2018 and was able to obtain commercial driver's licenses in California and Washington, which is against the law in the latter state. The case has sparked concerns that states may be issuing commercial driver's licenses to individuals who are not eligible, potentially putting public safety at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant, obtained a commercial driver's license in California and Washington, despite being denied authorization to work by the Trump administration in 2020.
  • Singh entered the United States illegally in 2018 and was able to get a commercial driver's license in California, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Singh failed an English proficiency assessment and a road sign test administered by federal investigators.
  • The California Department of Motor Vehicles has not responded to requests for comment on the issuance of Singh's license.
  • A whistleblower in Kentucky alleges that people can pay under the table to obtain standard driver's licenses illegally.
  • The Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation claims that there is a loophole in the system that allows states to issue commercial driver's licenses to individuals who are merely authorized to work in the U.S.

Statistics:

  • 2018: Harjinder Singh entered the United States illegally.
  • 2020: Trump administration denied Harjinder Singh's application for work authorization.
  • 2021: Biden administration granted Harjinder Singh's request for work authorization on June 9.
  • 2023: Harjinder Singh obtained a commercial driver's license in Washington State.

Sources:

  • "The Washington State Department of Licensing is investigating the 2023 issuance of Mr. Singh's prior commercial driver license."
  • "The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Singh got a commercial driver's license in California."
  • Fox News Digital: "Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, told Fox News Digital about how Singh's case could happen in the first place."
  • X (Twitter): Exchange between DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin and California Governor's press office.

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