Illinois officials are pushing back against federal threats to cut highway funding over their handling of commercial driver licenses issued to non-domiciled residents. The Secretary of State’s office argues its policies follow federal guidelines and that the U.S. Department of Transportation has ignored extensions granted for Employment Authorization Documents due to processing backlogs. At least 24 states are now pausing issuance of CDLs for non-domiciled drivers, disrupting trucking and agricultural operations statewide. Agriculture leaders warn that the current uncertainty could hamper spring planting and supply chains. Industry representatives urge quick action to protect both the workforce and the economy.
Secretary of State Condemns Trump Administration’s Threat to Cut Federal Funds:
Illinois is condemning the Trump administration’s assertions regarding the state’s past handling of non-domiciled commercial driver licenses (CDLs).
Illinois, along with 23 other states and the District of Columbia, have received similar findings by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has threatened to withhold federal funds and decertify their CDL programs in each of the states.
According to federal guidelines, non-domiciled residents seeking a CDL must show proof of legal status in the U.S. They could present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or an I94 with a valid foreign passport. In its letter, FMCSA fails to recognize an extension granted to EAD holders.
The federal government’s policy on processing backlogged EAD renewals called for extending the validity of existing EADs. The policy existed until October 31, 2025.
Illinois had already adopted the use of the SAVE system to verify the lawful immigration status for all non-domiciled CDL applicants before the FMCSA’s interim rule was announced last year. The Secretary of State’s office has also adopted additional safeguards to retain and validate application documents.
The Secretary of State’s office believes its CDL issuance policies and practices are substantially compliant with applicable FMCSA requirements and will not justify cutting federal highway funding. The office intends to conduct a review of the FMCSA findings.
Since the interim final rule was published by the FMCSA, Illinois – along with most other states – paused issuing and renewing non-domiciled CDLs despite its compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. At least 24 jurisdictions remain on pause for issuance and renewal of CDLs. The rule would also allow most non-domiciled CDLs to expire, without possibility of renewal, within a two-year period.
“A strong economy depends on strong logistics,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “If trucks don’t move, supply chains fail, prices rise, and families feel it in their pocketbooks. We can see the actions by the Trump administration taking their toll on our truckers and our farmers, both of whom are essential to Illinois’ economy.”
In January, the Illinois Agricultural Association, representing multiple agricultural-based organizations in the state, wrote to Giannoulias expressing “serious concern” regarding the pause in issuing CDLs and stating the federal agency’s “decision is having immediate and growing negative impacts on agricultural operations across the state and threatens to disrupt critical spring and early-season activities.”