Kelly Backs "The Dalilah Law" To Prevent Illegal Immigrants From Getting CDLs
WASHINGTON, DC… U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored "The Dalilah Law," which cracks down on states, including Pennsylvania, that give out commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) finalized a rule to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to drive commercial trucks and buses citing public safety threats. Previously, a nationwide audit by the U.S. DOT exposed Pennsylvania as one of six states with systemic non-compliance in issuing non-domiciled CDLs.
In his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump announced his support for Dalilah's Law.
"From top to bottom, this is common sense legislation that will secure our roads, protect American citizens, and enforce our immigration laws," said Rep. Kelly. "If you're in this country illegally, you shouldn't be given the keys to the largest, most powerful vehicles on the road. Plain and simple."
"The Dalilah Law," named for Dalilah Coleman — who was critically injured in a 2024 collision involving a commercial truck — was formally introduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) following a call to action from President Donald J. Trump during the 2026 State of the Union address.
The Dalilah Law would:
* Require that states limit commercial driver’s licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain temporary work visa holders as a condition of receiving Department of Transportation funding.
* Mandate English-only CDL testing to ensure that all commercial drivers possess the language skills necessary for safe operation on U.S. roads.
* Require states to revoke CDLs issued to undocumented immigrants or individuals without qualifying legal status, even if they previously had work authorization.
* Strengthen verification processes and recertification requirements to ensure ongoing compliance with eligibility and safety standards.
To learn more about the bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7758
Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association spoke on this issue after the President’s February State of the Union Address:
“Tonight, the President highlighted the tragic consequences of a preventable truck crash caused by an unqualified truck driver. For professional truckers, safety is not political, it is our daily responsibility. Ensuring that every individual operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on America’s highways is properly vetted, trained, and held to consistent standards is essential to protecting our members and the motoring public. OOIDA and the professional truck drivers we represent will continue supporting efforts at USDOT and in Congress to strengthen licensing standards and training requirements that will make our roads safer for everyone.”
Recent OOIDA Actions on Non-Domiciled CDLsDecember 1, 2025: OOIDA Regulatory Comments on FMCSA Interim Final Rule
*October 20, 2025: OOIDA Letter To Congress on Improving CDL Training and Licensing
*August 21, 2025: OOIDA Calls on 43 Governors to Stop Issuing Non-Domiciled CDLs
*August 18, 2025: OOIDA Letter to USDOT on Non-Domiciled CDLs
*July 22, 2025: OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh Testifies on Non-Domiciled CDLs in Senate Commerce Committee
*March 25, 2025: OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh Testifies on Non-Domiciled CDLs in House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure