March 7, 2026

The California DMV is being forced by the federal government to cancel about 13,000 commercial driver's licenses held by non-domiciled immigrant truck drivers, including visa holders, refugees, and asylum seekers, despite these drivers having legal work authorization when licensed. This move follows safety concerns and federal audits linked to licenses that outlasted drivers’ work authorizations, but it has sparked legal battles and protests over the sudden loss of livelihood for many drivers. A recent court order mandates the DMV to create a process to reduce wrongful cancellations and expedite reapplications, yet the federal government is currently blocking the DMV from issuing new licenses, leaving affected drivers in limbo and forcing them to obtain regular Class C licenses to keep working. The ongoing conflict highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement and California’s labor needs, with drivers and advocacy groups warning of severe economic hardship and workforce disruptions.

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