The Supreme Court has rejected Florida’s attempt to sue California and Washington over commercial driver’s licenses issued to truckers who are not U.S. citizens, ending a high-profile fight over how states handle immigration on the road.
What Florida Wanted
Republican-led Florida had asked the justices to rule that states do not have the authority to issue commercial driver’s licenses, or CDLs, to people who are not citizens or legal permanent residents. The state accused the two Democratic-led Western states of openly defying federal immigration law.
The Crash Behind the Case
The dispute grew out of a deadly crash in Florida last year that killed three people. The driver, who is from India, held a valid commercial license issued by California and had previously been granted one by Washington. Florida argued that such licenses should never have been issued in the first place.
California’s Defense
California pushed back firmly. The state’s attorney general told the court that its Department of Motor Vehicles verifies legal presence through a federal database known as SAVE and tests applicants for English proficiency, as required by law. Officials said the driver in question had applied in 2024 and provided a valid employment authorization document that was confirmed through the federal system before his license was issued.
The Court’s Decision
The justices turned Florida away without agreeing to hear the case. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that the court was obligated to take up disputes between states. The decision leaves the Western states’ licensing rules in place.
The ruling settles this particular lawsuit, but it does little to resolve the broader national fight over who ultimately controls immigration policy – a question that continues to play out in courtrooms and statehouses across the country.
Stay informed on the stories that matter most. Follow Your Daily Updates on Facebook and bookmark yourdailyupdates.news for breaking news and analysis.