Kelly backs 'The Dalilah Law' to prevent illegal immigrants from getting CDLs

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, 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."

BACKGROUND

"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.

Learn more about the bill here.