Rep. Houchin introduces bill to prevent illegal immigrants from getting CDL's

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R- District 9) has introduced a bill that would prevent illegal immigrants from legally operating semi trucks on American roads. 

The bill was inspired by Dalilah Coleman, a California first grader who was severely injured when her vehicle was struck by a semi driven by an illegal immigrant.

Coleman was recently recognized at the State of the Union by President Donald Trump.

Dalilah’s Law would require states to limit commercial driver’s licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain work visa holders as a condition of receiving federal Department of Transportation funding. 

It would also require states to revoke CDLs issued to illegal immigrants and require CDL knowledge and skills tests to be administered in English.

“Families should never fear who is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck on our highways. The Dalilah Law ensures commercial driver’s licenses are limited to individuals who are lawfully present in the United States and able to meet the safety standards required to operate these massive vehicles,” said Rep. Houchin.

The bill is co-sponsored by two California representatives and there is companion legislation that was introduced by Indiana Senator Jim Banks. 

“I’m grateful Rep. Houchin is leading the fight in the House on our legislation to get illegal truck drivers off our roads,” said Senator Banks. “Illegal aliens have killed too many Hoosiers on our highways and we must act. President Trump called on Congress to pass the Dalilah Law in his State of the Union. It’s time to get it done.”

On February 3, four people were killed in Jay County when a semi served into oncoming traffic and struck a van head-on. Investigators say the truck was driven by a Kyrgyzstan native who came into the United States illegally and obtained a CDL in Pennsylvania.