Sacramento, California, USA: In a major move to tighten regulations around driver licensing, the U.S. state of California has announced plans to revoke 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) previously issued to immigrant drivers.

The decision follows growing federal concerns that California has become a key center for undocumented immigration, with some licenses reportedly obtained through improper means. Officials say these licenses were primarily used for operating heavy vehicles like semi-trucks and buses.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom clarified that the decision was not politically motivated. The California State Transportation Agency explained that the revoked licenses were identified as expired or under review during a statewide audit process.

This action comes after a series of fatal road incidents across the country. A recent case in Florida, where a commercial driver’s illegal U-turn led to three deaths, triggered a nationwide review of commercial driving permits. Similar accidents in Texas and Alabama earlier this year have intensified scrutiny on licensing procedures.

Additionally, a drunk driving incident in California last month involving an immigrant truck driver fueled further criticism, prompting the state government to reevaluate its CDL standards. California had previously defended its licensing practices, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now interpreted the move as an acknowledgement of systemic flaws.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration recently announced new measures for work visas for commercial truck drivers. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern that the rising number of foreign drivers operating heavy vehicles could endanger American motorists and undermine local employment.

The administration also made English literacy mandatory for all commercial drivers, citing numerous accidents caused by drivers who couldn’t read road signs or communicate effectively in English.