The Washington State Department of Licensing has initiated an investigation into how a noncitizen without legal status obtained a commercial driver’s license. This scrutiny comes in light of a tragic accident in Florida that resulted in three fatalities on Tuesday.
The focus of the investigation centers on Harjinder Singh, who illegally entered the United States in 2018. Despite being denied work authorization by the Trump administration in 2020, Singh procured a commercial driver’s license in California and subsequently acquired another one in Washington state in July 2023. This situation has raised crucial questions regarding state licensing loopholes and immigration enforcement.
A spokesperson for the Department of Licensing confirmed the investigation’s initiation but could not provide a timeline for its completion or any further details at this time.
Singh’s license acquisition is particularly concerning given that it goes against state laws prohibiting the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to individuals without legal status. Moreover, Singh allegedly caused a collision on the Florida Turnpike after making a prohibited U-turn, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals in a minivan.
Federal investigators have found further alarming evidence regarding Singh’s qualifications. During an interview conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Singh failed an English proficiency assessment comprehensively, correctly answering only 2 out of 12 questions and identifying just 1 of 4 road signs accurately.
These findings highlight serious deficiencies in whether Singh should have been allowed behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, raising further concerns about state regulatory practices.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the issuance of Singh’s license. Moreover, a recent exchange between California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has sparked debate. Newsom’s office suggested that federal agencies under former President Donald Trump authorized Singh’s work status, while McLaughlin clarified that Singh, in fact, had his application for work authorization denied under Trump before it was granted by the Biden administration.
Singh’s case is stirring debate over the broader implications of illegal immigrants obtaining commercial licenses, leading to concerns in various states about the licensing processes in place for individuals without legal status. This is compounded by whistleblower allegations in states like Kentucky, where individuals reportedly paid bribes to obtain licenses illegally.
Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, spoke with Fox News Digital about the underlying issues in Singh’s case. She explained that while states can issue driver’s licenses, there are regulations that require commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to be issued only to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. She pointed out a significant loophole that may have allowed Singh to exploit these regulations, stating that if someone is granted work authorization, it could open the door for them to obtain a CDL in a willing state.
The tragic outcome of the Florida crash has raised urgent questions about how and why an individual with a clearly problematic legal status was issued a commercial driver’s license. This investigation reinforces the need to examine state-level licensing practices to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the situation develops, many will be looking for answers from state regulatory agencies regarding their policies on licensing, especially in the context of federal immigration laws and safety standards. The implications for public safety and regulatory compliance are significant, and the answers are eagerly awaited amidst the growing outcry for reform.
As this investigation unfolds, the community and families affected by the crash will continue to seek justice and accountability for the loss of life, and advocates will press for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies like this from occurring.
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