Highway Safety Under Threat: Examining Non-Domiciled CDL Issuance to Illegal Aliens

The Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on March 5, 2026, to examine the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to individuals unlawfully present in the United States and the associated public safety risks. The discussion focused on enforcement challenges, state compliance with federal standards, and the impact of non-compliant CDL issuance on highway safety and national security. Witnesses from law enforcement highlighted enforcement efforts and the dangers posed by unqualified drivers, while advocacy groups and some members expressed concerns about the economic and social consequences of restricting CDLs for immigrants legally authorized to work. The hearing also addressed coordination between federal and state agencies, the role of immigration status verification, and the need for consistent standards across states to ensure public safety and maintain critical transportation services.