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

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.

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.

The commenter is a DACA recipient who is directly affected by the inability to hold a Class B Commercial Driver's License. They argue that they have met all licensing requirements and that the current policy negatively impacts their employment, financial stability, and ability to serve their community.

An individual commenter expresses strong support for Jenifer Sanchez Vilchis's application for a Commercial Driver's License exemption. They argue that DACA recipients contribute significantly to their communities and that removing their ability to hold a CDL is unfair and hinders essential community functions.

The commenter, a DACA recipient and sanitation worker for the City of San Diego, supports the exemption for DACA recipients to obtain Class B commercial driver's licenses. They argue that the current restrictions are based on prejudice rather than safety, noting that they have a clean driving record and meet all language requirements.

The commenter, a diesel mechanic and DACA recipient, supports the proposed action of allowing DACA recipients to maintain their commercial driving privileges. They argue that while they agree with English-language requirements and cabotage regulations, DACA recipients with clean records and English proficiency should not be excluded from the field.