In brief
Following a tragic crash linked to an unlicensed truck driver, Secretary Duffy criticized New York for improperly issuing over half of reviewed non-domiciled licenses. State officials assert compliance with federal regulations amidst pressures to revoke licenses amidst a nationwide audit.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a warning to New York regarding its non-domiciled immigrant driver licenses, highlighting that many may remain valid long after immigrants' legal authorization has expired. He has threatened to withhold up to $73 million in federal highway funds unless the state addresses these concerns.
New York officials, however, defend their licensing practices, stating that they comply with all applicable federal regulations and verify immigration status appropriately. The ongoing scrutiny comes after a truck driver, unauthorized to be in the U.S., caused a fatal accident during an illegal maneuver in Florida.
After an audit revealed that over half of the 200 licenses examined were issued improperly — many valid for eight years despite the expiration of work permits — Duffy insisted that Governor Kathy Hochul must swiftly revoke these licenses. He emphasized that ensuring qualified and safe drivers is not a political issue, despite the focus on states governed by Democrats.
New York's DMV spokesperson, Walter McClure, challenged Duffy's claims, asserting the state's adherence to federal standards and accusing the secretary of attempting to distract from his own administration's shortcomings.
The Department of Transportation's audit also shows that approximately 20% of truck drivers are immigrants, while non-domiciled licenses comprise 5% of all commercial licenses. Furthermore, ongoing legal challenges may affect the proposed new restrictions on immigrant licensing in various states, complicating the regulatory landscape.
