DACA Truck Drivers in Texas Lose Ability to Renew or Obtain Commercial Licenses Due to Recent Texas Policy Change

DACA Truck Drivers in Texas Lose Ability to Renew or Obtain Commercial Licenses Due to Recent Texas Policy Change

The landscape of commercial driving in Texas has shifted dramatically with a new rule that took effect on September 30. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that it has suspended the issuance of certain commercial driver’s licenses, following an emergency directive issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Details of the Suspension

Under the new order, the DPS will no longer issue non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) or learner’s permits (CLP). This suspension specifically targets individuals who are refugees, asylees, or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It affects both new applications and renewals, and it also halts the reissuance of licenses for those already in possession of them.

The policy extends further by cutting off the ability of pending applicants to complete written or skills examinations. Anyone classified under the categories of non-domiciled, refugee, asylee, or DACA recipient must now wait indefinitely until services for these CDL and CLP processes are restored.

Immediate Impact on the DACA Community and Others

This change will reverberate across multiple communities in Texas. Refugees and asylees who sought stability through employment in transportation now face an unexpected barrier. DACA recipients, many of whom have built careers in sectors tied to logistics and commerce, find themselves at risk of losing both livelihood and security in a field where licenses are essential.

By halting renewals, the state has created uncertainty for drivers who were legally on the road until last week, forcing them to pause careers they have spent years building. Trucking companies that relied on this workforce will now be required to navigate shortages at a time when supply chains remain fragile.

Broader Context

Earlier in September, Governor Greg Abbott instructed Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers under DPS to begin English language proficiency checks for commercial drivers on Texas highways. The governor framed the measure as an enforcement tool, requiring drivers to demonstrate competency in English while operating heavy vehicles on public roads.

The combined effect of the suspension and the English language checks creates a climate of heightened scrutiny for immigrant drivers. Texas has long been a hub for freight and logistics, with highways that connect ports, warehouses, and markets across the United States and into Mexico. Cutting off access to licenses for entire groups of immigrants risks reshaping the state’s commercial transport sector in ways that could outlast the temporary suspension.

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