The Texas Department of Public Safety just announced it will no longer issue or renew commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for thousands of immigrants — even those who are here legally under DACA, asylum, or refugee programs.

That means Texans who have long been authorized to work and contribute to the economy — including Dreamers and refugees — are being pushed off the road and out of their jobs. Their existing CDL applications will be canceled, and renewals denied, not because of any safety violation or fraud, but because of who they are.

The move follows a directive from President Donald Trump to drastically limit non-citizens’ access to commercial licenses nationwide, backed by a threat to withhold federal funds. Governor Greg Abbott echoed that stance, ordering DPS to crack down and publicly endorsing new “English proficiency” enforcement efforts. But many of these drivers already met every requirement. They passed exams. They drove safely. They paid taxes. Now, Texas is cutting them off.

Refugees and DACA recipients make up a small but essential part of Texas’s trucking workforce — around 2.3% combined, according to public data. That’s thousands of drivers keeping supply chains moving, hauling construction materials, delivering produce, and transporting Texans safely every day.

Removing them from the road won’t make our highways safer — it will create more delays, strain small businesses, and punish people who have already passed background checks and earned the right to work.

We call on Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety to reverse this discriminatory policy and allow all immigrants with legal status — including DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and refugees — to apply for and renew CDLs.

Texas depends on these workers. They deserve fairness, not political scapegoating. Sign to demand immediate action.

Photo Credit: Creator: Brett Coomer 
Credit: Houston Chronicle