Blog

FMCSA amends the Federal regulations for State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) issuing commercial driving credentials to non-domiciled individuals. This final rule reaffirms, with minor changes, the provisions of the interim final rule (IFR) published on September 29, 2025. Specifically, this final rule limits eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for foreign-domiciled individuals to those who hold specific, verifiable employment-based nonimmigrant status. This rule reaffirms the IFR requirements, aligning the issuance of non- domiciled CDLs with FMCSA's statutory mandate to ensure the fitness of all drivers who operate a CMV. By limiting eligibility to statuses subject to enhanced consular vetting of driver history and interagency screening, FMCSA restores the integrity of the CDL system, closes a significant safety gap, and enhances the safety of the traveling public.

A D.C. federal judge considered Thursday whether the U.S. Department of Homeland Security permissibly used a funding gap to freshen up a policy requiring a week's notice for congressional oversight visits, or if a longstanding spending rider prohibits the move.

A D.C. federal judge who said she has been receiving threats and personal insults after she temporarily blocked the Trump administration from terminating Temporary Protected Status for Haitians refused to pause her ruling, saying judges will not be intimidated by public threats.

The Senate left town on Thursday ahead of their recess, virtually ensuring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will shut down at midnight on Friday.

Drivers and labor unions on Thursday petitioned the D.C. Circuit to review the U.S. Department of Transportation's new final rule tightening states' screening procedures and eligibility criteria for nondomiciled commercial driver's licenses issued to immigrants.

Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said Thursday that criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by state and local officials and a lack of cooperation with federal agents is to blame for "chaos in the streets," as she forcefully defended the Trump administration's policies.

A Manhattan federal judge set a May trial date Thursday for former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander to adjudicate a ticket he received for allegedly obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement as he monitored proceedings at a building where immigrants have been detained.

New York and New Jersey urged a Manhattan federal judge to swiftly convert a temporary restraining order into a final merits ruling in their challenge of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Gateway Tunnel funding freeze, warning that a TRO lapse would trigger economic harm and undermine the court's prior relief.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg instructed the Trump administration Thursday to facilitate the return of Venezuelan nationals it deported in March under the Alien Enemies Act in violation of his earlier order barring their removal so they can pursue their habeas claims.