Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, plans to introduce legislation barring illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), directly responding to President Donald Trump’s call during his State of the Union address on Feb. 24, 2026.
The Tragic Incident Inspiring Dalilah’s Law
The bill, named Dalilah’s Law, honors Dalilah Coleman, a young girl who sustained severe injuries in a 2024 California crash allegedly caused by Partap Singh, an illegal immigrant from India operating a tractor-trailer.
Trump highlighted the case in his speech, noting that many illegal immigrants lack English proficiency and struggle to read basic road signs indicating direction, speed, danger, or location. “That’s why tonight, I’m calling on Congress to pass what we will call the Dalilah Law, barring any state from granting commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens,” Trump stated.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
Cornyn’s proposal mandates E-Verify checks for CDL applicants. Noncompliant states face ineligibility for certain federal transportation grants. The bill also establishes a federal felony for illegal immigrants using a CDL in interstate or foreign commerce.
Lawmakers view this as addressing a pull factor in illegal immigration, where opportunities like CDLs incentivize unlawful entry. U.S. Border Patrol officials often cite such factors alongside push elements like poverty abroad.
Challenges in the Senate
Passing the bill requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, necessitating Democratic support. Cornyn hopes for bipartisan backing but anticipates resistance.
“The Dems are not acting rationally these days,” Cornyn stated. “And, of course, anything that they think is something that Trump would support or likes they sort of reflexively oppose.”
He added, “I mean, in a normal world, this would not be controversial.” Cornyn referenced Trump’s remark about opponents, noting the measure primarily impacts states like California with scrutinized licensing practices.
Marcus Coleman, Dalilah’s father, attended the State of the Union with his daughter as Trump addressed the issue.
