Texas Suspends CDL Issuance & Renewal for DACA Recipients, Refugees and Asylees

In September 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced a major shift in how the state handles commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The department confirmed that it will no longer issue or renew CDLs for individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, as well as refugees and asylees. This move has generated intense debate, raising questions about workforce shortages, immigration policy, and road safety in Texas.

Understanding the Policy Change

Commercial driver’s licenses are essential for operating large trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles used for business purposes. In previous years, non-citizen residents who were legally authorized to work in the United States could obtain CDLs in Texas. The new DPS directive ends that practice for specific immigration categories, following new federal rules designed to tighten eligibility standards.

Federal Rule Behind the Decision

The Texas policy mirrors a new federal rule titled “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses.” Issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this rule restricts which non-citizens can hold commercial licenses. It requires states to verify immigration status more rigorously and limits CDL validity to match the holder’s immigration documents. Essentially, if a worker’s visa or permit expires, their CDL must expire at the same time.

Texas Implementation

Shortly after the federal announcement, Texas DPS halted CDL applications and renewals for DACA recipients, refugees, and asylees. The state cited compliance with federal safety standards and the need for stronger verification of lawful status. DPS also emphasized that English-language proficiency and accurate record-keeping are key to highway safety.

Who Is Affected by the Change

This policy primarily affects three groups of legally present immigrants: DACA recipients, refugees, and individuals granted asylum. All three categories previously had work authorization and the ability to obtain CDLs under Texas law.

DACA Recipients

DACA, introduced in 2012, allowed certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to live and work legally. Many used this opportunity to pursue stable careers in logistics, transportation, and trucking. Under the new policy, DACA recipients in Texas are no longer eligible for CDL issuance or renewal, effectively cutting off a viable employment path for many skilled drivers.

Refugees and Asylees

Refugees and asylees who had been rebuilding their lives in the United States through steady employment in commercial driving now face similar restrictions. Even though these individuals are lawfully present and authorized to work, they are grouped under the non-domiciled category and are barred from obtaining or renewing a CDL in Texas.

Existing CDL Holders

Current CDL holders in these categories may keep their licenses until expiration, but renewal will no longer be possible under the new rules. Applicants with pending CDL requests are seeing their applications canceled or placed on indefinite hold.

Reasons Behind the Ban

According to both state and federal officials, the primary reason for the new CDL restrictions is road safety and the integrity of the licensing process. Regulators argue that non-domiciled drivers’ backgrounds, including international driving histories, are harder to verify. The FMCSA also cited the need for better record sharing and monitoring of CDL holders across states and countries.

Federal authorities have linked the rule to national security and enforcement concerns, claiming that gaps in verification could pose risks on the highways. Texas officials echoed those arguments and described the policy as a compliance step that aligns state law with federal transportation regulations.

Industry Impact

The trucking industry, already facing one of the largest driver shortages in decades, is expected to feel the consequences immediately. Texas, a major freight and logistics hub, relies heavily on immigrant labor for its commercial driving workforce. Even though only a small percentage of truck drivers in Texas fall under the affected immigration categories, their removal from the workforce could strain operations further.

Economic and Workforce Effects

Driver shortages tend to increase shipping costs, delay freight schedules, and put pressure on supply chains. Training programs in Texas are already reporting cancellations from students who are no longer eligible for CDLs. For smaller trucking companies that rely on a diverse labor pool, this restriction could mean higher recruitment and retention costs.

Operational Challenges

Employers will need to ensure that their drivers meet the updated eligibility requirements and maintain active immigration status. Companies may need to replace drivers who lose license eligibility due to expired or revoked work authorizations. This could also affect insurance premiums, fleet schedules, and delivery timelines.

Legal and Civil Rights Concerns

Immigration and civil rights advocates have expressed concern that Texas’s interpretation of the federal rule unfairly targets lawfully present immigrants who have complied with all work authorization and identification requirements. Critics argue that DACA recipients and refugees are being penalized despite contributing significantly to essential industries like trucking, agriculture, and logistics.

Legal experts predict potential challenges to the policy on the grounds of discrimination or due process violations. Because DACA and refugee statuses are legally recognized by the federal government, opponents argue that states should not use those categories as grounds for exclusion from professional licensing.

Compliance Burden for States

Beyond the human impact, states now carry additional administrative responsibilities. The FMCSA rule requires each state to verify and store immigration documentation for CDL applicants and downgrade licenses within thirty days if a driver’s status changes. This adds costs and complexity for state agencies already managing large driver databases.

Potential Ripple Effects Nationwide

Although Texas was one of the first states to implement the new rule, similar actions are expected elsewhere. Because the FMCSA rule applies nationwide, other states may soon adopt comparable measures to avoid non-compliance penalties. This could lead to a nationwide reduction in non-domiciled CDL holders and further tighten the supply of qualified truck drivers.

Interstate Implications

For companies operating across multiple states, the inconsistency of rules may cause logistical confusion. A driver who is licensed in another state but loses eligibility in Texas could face employment interruptions. As states adopt the federal standard at different speeds, employers must pay close attention to compliance across jurisdictions.

Economic and Human Impact

At the personal level, this decision affects thousands of Texans who have used trucking as a stable, well-paying profession. For DACA recipients and refugees, losing access to a CDL means not only the loss of income but also limited upward mobility and community participation. For the broader Texas economy, reduced driver availability can translate into slower shipping times, increased consumer costs, and heavier burdens on domestic freight carriers.

Community Reactions

Many immigrant advocacy groups have denounced the policy as politically motivated and harmful to families who have long contributed to Texas’s economy. On the other hand, proponents argue that the rule strengthens the integrity of the CDL system and aligns with public safety priorities. The split reflects a larger national debate over how immigration status intersects with employment rights and licensing.

What Trucking Companies Should Do Now

1. Review Workforce Eligibility

Employers should immediately verify immigration and work authorization documents for all drivers. Identifying which employees are at risk of losing CDL eligibility helps avoid compliance issues and operational disruptions.

2. Update Hiring Policies

New applicants should be screened under the latest rules. Companies must ensure that training programs and recruiters are informed about which immigration categories are now excluded from CDL eligibility in Texas.

3. Plan for Driver Retention

With fewer eligible drivers available, retaining experienced personnel becomes even more important. Enhanced benefits, competitive pay, and flexible schedules may help offset the impact of the labor shortage.

4. Monitor Future Developments

Because the policy landscape is still evolving, companies should stay alert for updates from both the FMCSA and Texas DPS. Legal challenges or clarifying guidance could alter how the rules are enforced in the coming months.

Looking Ahead

The Texas CDL suspension for DACA recipients, refugees, and asylees represents a significant intersection of immigration policy, labor regulation, and public safety. While the rule aims to ensure proper documentation and oversight, its broader consequences extend far beyond licensing. For affected individuals, it represents the loss of opportunity. For Texas businesses, it introduces new compliance burdens and potential economic strain. And for policymakers, it raises ongoing questions about fairness, federalism, and the future of America’s essential workforce.