GOP Senator Backs Trump’s Call for “Dalilah’s Law”
Sen. John Cornyn plans to introduce legislation that would block undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. The proposal follows a request made by President Donald Trump during his recent State of the Union address.
Cornyn said he does not expect Senate Democrats to back the bill. He argued that many in the party tend to oppose measures associated with Trump, even if they might otherwise support them.
Bill Named After Injured Child
The measure is called Dalilah’s Law. It is named after Dalilah Coleman, a young girl who suffered serious injuries in a 2024 crash in California. Authorities allege that Partap Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India, was driving the tractor trailer involved in the accident.
During his speech, Trump referenced the case and claimed that some undocumented immigrants lack the English skills needed to read road signs safely. He urged Congress to pass legislation preventing states from issuing CDLs to people in the country illegally.
Senate Hurdles Ahead
Like most bills in the Senate, the proposal would need at least 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. That means Republican lawmakers would need Democratic support.
Cornyn said he hopes some Democrats will cross party lines. Still, he admitted he does not expect broad backing. He suggested that, under normal circumstances, the measure would not spark major controversy.
Impact on States and Federal Funding
The legislation would require states to use the federal E Verify system before granting a CDL. States that fail to comply could lose access to certain federal transportation grants.
In addition, the bill would create a federal felony offense for undocumented immigrants who use a CDL while traveling across state or international lines.
Cornyn argued that the proposal fits within Trump’s broader immigration agenda. He said policymakers often talk about push and pull factors when discussing illegal immigration. Push factors involve hardship in a migrant’s home country. Pull factors, he said, include U.S. policies that may attract people to enter unlawfully.
According to Cornyn, allowing undocumented immigrants to secure commercial licenses could act as one of those pull factors.
Broader Political Debate
The issue could especially affect states such as California, where commercial licensing standards have faced scrutiny from the Trump administration. The debate also connects to wider concerns about border security, workforce needs, and public safety.
Whether the bill gains traction remains uncertain. However, it signals that immigration enforcement will remain a central focus in the Senate.
