Comment from Glenda Reyes

I strongly support Ms. Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis's request for an exemption that would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to obtain and hold a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). DACA recipients who are legally authorized to work in the United States should have the same opportunity to obtain a CDL as any other lawfully authorized worker, provided they meet all federal and state licensing requirements. Earning and maintaining a CDL is not easy. Every applicant must pass written and road skills examinations, meet medical certification standards, comply with federal drug and alcohol testing requirements where applicable, and satisfy all safety regulations. CDL holders are also subject to ongoing monitoring and can lose their commercial driving privileges for serious traffic violations, drug or alcohol offenses, or criminal conduct. DACA recipients also undergo extensive background checks to receive and renew their Employment Authorization Documents. They must continue to meet strict eligibility requirements, maintain a clean record, and remain authorized to work in the United States. Individuals with serious criminal convictions are generally not eligible to maintain DACA status. These safeguards demonstrate that DACA recipients are responsible, vetted individuals who have already undergone significant screening. Granting this exemption would not reduce or weaken any safety standards. DACA recipients would still be required to meet the exact same federal and state CDL requirements as every other commercial driver. The only difference is that qualified DACA recipients would finally have equal access to obtain a CDL despite already being legally authorized to work. Allowing qualified DACA recipients to obtain a Class B CDL would help address workforce shortages while maintaining the high safety standards that protect the traveling public. I respectfully urge FMCSA to approve this exemption and provide DACA recipients with the same opportunity afforded to other lawfully work-authorized individuals who meet all CDL qualifications.