US Threatens to Withhold $73M in Highway Funds from New York Over Immigrant Driver Licenses

The US Transportation Department has threatened to pull $73 million from New York. This action targets federal highway funding. The issue involves commercial driver licenses given to non-US citizens.

Officials issued a 30-day ultimatum to the state. New York must address audit findings or lose the money. According to the Associated Press, this is part of a broader federal push.

Federal Audit Triggers Funding Ultimatum

A federal audit discovered improperly issued licenses. The Department of Transportation is demanding corrective action. New York now has one month to respond.

Failure to comply risks the significant federal funding. This money is vital for state infrastructure projects. The threat follows an earlier emergency federal regulation.

That rule aimed to restrict licenses for non-citizens. It was prompted by a fatal crash and the audit.

A Pattern of Federal Pressure on States

This is not an isolated incident. The same department recently threatened Minnesota with a $30.4 million cut. The reason was identical: licenses for non-residents.

In October, California faced a $160 million funding threat. The state later agreed to revoke 17,000 licenses from foreigners. Federal officials deemed those licenses improper.

According to agency data, about 16% of US truck drivers are foreign-born. Safety remains the government’s stated primary concern. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized this point.

He called large commercial vehicles “lethal weapons” if operated incorrectly. His statement underlined the need for proper training and vetting.

The ongoing dispute over non-citizen truck driver licenses highlights a significant clash between state policies and federal safety enforcement, with critical highway funds now hanging in the balance.

Info at your fingertips

Why is the US threatening New York’s highway funds?

The threat follows a federal audit. It found New York improperly issued commercial driver licenses to non-US citizens. The state has 30 days to address these concerns.

What must New York do to avoid the funding cut?

State officials must take corrective actions outlined by the federal government. They need to demonstrate compliance with commercial license rules. The exact steps were detailed in the federal ultimatum.

Have other states faced similar threats?

Yes. Minnesota recently faced a $30.4 million funding threat. California also dealt with a similar issue, leading to the revocation of thousands of licenses. The pattern targets licenses for non-citizens.

What is the federal government’s main concern?

Federal officials cite roadway safety as the top priority. They argue commercial drivers must be properly vetted and trained. Large trucks pose significant risks if operated unsafely.

Is this part of a larger political conflict?

Analysts note the targeted states are predominantly Democratic-led. The Trump administration has previously threatened funding for major cities run by Democrats. This includes Chicago, New York, and Boston over transit issues.