(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new Indiana law taking effect today, April 1, means some commercial driver's licenses held by undocumented immigrants are now invalid statewide.
State officials say the law targets licenses issued before March 1 and now limits future commercial licenses to drivers in only a few approved visa categories, including H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visas.
The measure was approved after several high-profile fatal crashes involving undocumented commercial drivers and is aimed at tightening who can legally operate heavy trucks and other large commercial vehicles in Indiana.
The law also now requires eligible non-citizen CDL applicants to prove they can read and speak English at a level necessary to drive safely on U.S. roadways.
The Indiana Attorney General's Office estimates about 2,000 drivers could be affected by the change.
Supporters say the move is about improving commercial driver safety and training standards, while critics argue it sharply limits access to trucking jobs for immigrant workers.
The law also imposes a $50,000 civil penalty on CDL schools that knowingly train drivers who are not legally eligible.