Media Contacts:
Asian Law Caucus, media@asianlawcaucus.org
Sikh Coalition, media@sikhcoalition.org
Workers and Immigrant Advocates Celebrate Federal Court Pause on Discriminatory Trucking Rule
SAN FRANCISCO — On Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit paused the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule, which has created confusion and fear for 200,000 truck drivers with work authorization. Under the rule issued in September, many non-domiciled drivers have been unable to renew or make changes to their commercial drivers licenses and permits. The decision was followed by an emergency stay from the D.C. Circuit today. With a pause on the rule in effect, states have the opportunity to move quickly to restore their licensing programs and bring relief to truck drivers who have lost or would otherwise face the loss of their livelihoods. Last month, Asian Law Caucus and the Sikh Coalition filed an amicus brief in the lawsuit before the D.C. Circuit.
“Thousands of Sikh and Punjabi immigrants who are well-qualified and safe drivers contribute to this essential industry,” said Sahel Kaur, managing attorney at the Sikh Coalition. “Unfortunately, too many of them are among those adversely affected by this sweeping and discriminatory rule. We welcome this pause, and remain committed to fighting for their rights."
“The rule from the Department of Transportation is arbitrary and targets drivers who, in many cases, have worked and built lives in the U.S. for decades. The discriminatory rule pulls the rug out from under immigrant drivers who have invested time and money into their training and vehicles,” said Josh Rosenthal, workers’ rights program director at Asian Law Caucus. “Whether someone is a DACA recipient, an asylum seeker, or a worker here with Temporary Protected Status, the government should never predetermine someone’s ability to drive safely based on the type of work permit they have.”
For more on the Interim Final Rule, read our resource page.