Non-Citizen and Temporary Resident Truckers File Class-Action Lawsuit Against California DMV Over Mass CDL Cancellations

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by non-U.S. citizen and temporary resident truck drivers, alleging the agency is unlawfully planning to revoke approximately 20,000 commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The suit claims the cancellations stem from a federal audit revealing improperly issued licenses to non-domiciled drivers—those with temporary work authorization—and a subsequent lack of due process for drivers to correct errors or reapply.

The controversy arose after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit highlighted that California had issued CDLs with expiration dates exceeding drivers’ legal presence in the country. The DMV responded with cancellation notices, prompting the lawsuit which argues the agency’s actions are “arbitrary and capricious” and punish drivers for the DMV’s own mistakes. Plaintiffs, including the Jakara Movement representing Punjabi Sikh communities, contend the cancellations violate state law and constitutional due process.

The lawsuit seeks to halt the cancellations, compel the DMV to allow reapplications, and declare the actions unlawful, citing potential economic hardship and supply chain disruptions. The case is further contextualized by a recent fatal accident involving a truck driver who entered the U.S. under Biden-era catch-and-release policies, raising questions about vetting procedures and accountability.

(Source：The Gateway Pundit)