Exemption Application: Commercial Driver's License; Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis

The Truckers Movement for Justice, a bi-national labor organization, supports Ms. Sanchez Vilchis's request for a CDL exemption. They argue that safety concerns in the trucking industry stem from inadequate training standards rather than immigration status and advocate for an industry apprenticeship standard.

The AFL-CIO, a federation of labor unions, supports the exemption application for Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis to allow DACA recipients to obtain Class B CDLs. They argue that the current rule prohibiting these licenses harms workers, unions, and communities by forcing qualified drivers into lower-paying jobs or unemployment.

Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, urges the FMCSA to grant an exemption that would allow DACA recipients with valid Employment Authorization Documents to obtain and renew non-domiciled Class B commercial driver's licenses. They argue that the current rule lacks a safety justification because DACA recipients have domestic driving histories and that the exemption would actually improve safety by mitigating the risks associated with a severe shortage of experienced CDL drivers.

Teamsters California is writing in support of Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis’s request for an exemption to obtain a Class B CDL as a DACA recipient. They argue that the FMCSA's rule prohibiting DACA holders from obtaining CDLs lacks a valid safety justification, as these drivers have domestic driving histories and undergo rigorous vetting.

A trucking company owner supports the exemption application, arguing that drivers with work permits are responsible, experienced, and essential to the economy. The commenter notes that these drivers have proven safety records and are willing to undergo additional testing to maintain their livelihoods.

The National Education Association (NEA) supports the exemption for Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis, arguing that DACA recipients are essential members of the school transportation workforce. They emphasize that allowing DACA holders to obtain CDLs would help alleviate a severe school bus driver shortage and ensure students have reliable access to education.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) supports the requested exemption for DACA recipients to obtain Class B Commercial Driver's Licenses. They argue that the exemption would address critical staffing shortages in public services like school bus driving and transit, while maintaining safety because DACA recipients' driving records are domestic and accessible.

An individual opposes the issuance of a Commercial Driver's License to the applicant. The commenter argues that DACA recipients should not be allowed to hold CDLs because their work authorization is temporary and they believe such permissions take jobs away from American citizens.

Excellent Repair LLC argues that the FMCSA should grant a class-wide exemption for DACA recipients regarding commercial driver's license requirements. They contend that because DACA recipients have exclusively domestic driving records and undergo rigorous federal vetting, an exemption would maintain safety while addressing critical labor shortages in the transportation sector.

James Johnson, the owner of a small trucking company, supports the exemption for DACA recipients to renew their Commercial Driver's Licenses. He argues that his DACA employee is a safe, proficient driver who is essential to his business's survival and emphasizes that the employee meets all language and background requirements.