California officials announced the recall on November 12, following sharp criticism from President Donald Trump's administration regarding the state's practice of issuing driver's licenses to immigrants.
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated on November 12 that California's recall action acknowledges the state's non-compliance, despite its earlier defense of its licensing standards. California began reviewing licenses after Secretary Duffy raised concerns.
"After weeks of claiming no wrongdoing, Governor Gavin Newsom and the state of California have been caught red-handed. Now, as we expose their falsehoods, 17,000 illegally issued driver's licenses are being recalled", Duffy said. The US Secretary of Transportation added that this is "just the tip of the iceberg", committing to compel California to prove it has not licensed undocumented immigrants to drive commercial vehicles and school buses.
Governor Newsom's office clarified that all individuals whose licenses are being recalled possessed valid federal work permits. The office explained that the reason for the 17,000 license recalls is that the licenses' validity extended beyond the legal residency period of the recipients. Brandon Richards, spokesperson for Governor Newsom, also criticized Secretary Duffy for "not sharing the truth, spreading misinformation".
Secretary Duffy has already cut USD 40 million in federal aid to California, alleging the state failed to implement English language proficiency tests for truck drivers. He warned of an additional USD 160 million cut if California does not address the improperly issued licenses and related issues.
The issue first gained public attention in August after an undocumented immigrant truck driver made an illegal U-turn, causing an accident that killed three people in Florida.
 |
A truck in San Diego, California, US, on 15/7. Photo: Reuters |
Ngoc Anh (According to AP)
