New York Loses $74 Million in Federal Funds Over Unrevoked Immigrant Truck Licenses
New York State faces a penalty of nearly $74 million in lost federal funding after refusing to revoke approximately 33,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants. The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, determined that these non-domiciled licenses were invalid because many holders lacked legal authorization to remain in the country. This decision follows an audit revealing significant compliance issues, including licenses remaining active long after immigration status expired. While most states have complied with federal reviews or entered negotiations, New York officials defend their practices as lawful, citing previous audits. This penalty marks the latest escalation in ongoing tensions between the federal government and New York regarding transportation funding and immigration enforcement. Other states, including California, have also faced substantial financial losses for similar non-compliance. The federal crackdown was intensified following a fatal crash in Florida, prompting stricter oversight of foreign drivers nationwide. Secretary Duffy emphasized accountability for state leaders failing to ensure road safety by vetting drivers properly.
Wire timeline
New York Loses $74 Million in Federal Funds Over Unrevoked Immigrant Truck Licenses
New York State faces a penalty of nearly $74 million in lost federal funding after refusing to revoke approximately 33,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants. The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, determined that these non-domiciled licenses were invalid because many holders lacked legal authorization to remain in the country. This decision follows an audit revealing significant compliance issues, including licenses remaining active long after immigration status expired. While most states have complied with federal reviews or entered negotiations, New York officials defend their practices as lawful, citing previous audits. This penalty marks the latest escalation in ongoing tensions between the federal government and New York regarding transportation funding and immigration enforcement. Other states, including California, have also faced substantial financial losses for similar non-compliance. The federal crackdown was intensified following a fatal crash in Florida, prompting stricter oversight of foreign drivers nationwide. Secretary Duffy emphasized accountability for state leaders failing to ensure road safety by vetting drivers properly.
AP News