Immigrant truck drivers in California filed a lawsuit against the state on Tuesday for canceling approximately 20,000 commercial driver’s licenses.
The drivers, many of whom are Sikh, claim the state acted under pressure from the Trump administration, violating state laws that allow license renewals. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) informed drivers and business owners last month that their licenses would be revoked in January unless they complied with new federal guidelines requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence.
The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, argues that the DMV’s actions are unlawful and will result in significant financial and emotional hardship for the drivers and their families. Many of these drivers are the primary earners for their households, and the loss of their licenses threatens their livelihoods. The plaintiffs include bus drivers, a tow truck company owner, and members of the Jakara Movement, represented by the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus.
The DMV had initially planned to reissue the licenses but reversed its decision under federal pressure. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the federal government threatened to withhold funds from California and other states over the issue. The lawsuit seeks a court order to reinstate the licenses and argues that the DMV has the authority to renew them under state law.
The controversy gained attention following incidents involving truck drivers in the country illegally, which raised concerns about safety. Despite the legal battle, the DMV has not provided a timeline for when affected drivers can reapply for their licenses.
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