The Jakara Movement held a press conference in Fresno on Thursday to address concerns over the possible cancellation of commercial driver’s licenses for thousands of immigrant drivers across California.
In November, the California Department of Motor Vehicles notified 17,299 CDL drivers that their license would become void on January 5, 2026 because an audit of records indicated that a discrepancy existed between the drivers’ work authorization status, their legal status, and the expiration date of their CDL license.
But in December, the California DMV issued a notice that it was extending the licenses of for approximately 17,000 to 20,000 CDL drivers to March 6, 2026.
Jakara, a Central Valley based grassroots organization, and a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit against the California DMV, says the issue stems from a state paperwork error that could put drivers’ livelihoods at risk.
According to Jakara, nearly 20,000 immigrant commercial drivers statewide received letters from the DMV notifying them their licenses would be canceled through no fault of their own.
This case is about more than paperwork. It is about dignity, due process and the fundamental right to work,
said Naindeep Singh, Executive Director at Jakara.
Advocates say the issue centers on a mismatch between the expiration dates on commercial driver’s licenses and work authorization documents, even though many drivers were fully qualified and authorized to work under California law.
Jakara estimates between 3,000 and 5,000 drivers in Fresno County alone may be affected.
“Drivers were given no hearing, no clear explanation, and no realistic pathway to correct the issue,” the executive director said.
Jakara speaks out in Fresno as CA DMV commercial driver license cancellations loom.
Drivers spoke at the press conference but asked to remain anonymous. One truck driver said he was at home when he opened the letter.
“I was in shock,” the driver said through a translator. “This is how I earn my living. It felt like my heart stopped.”
The driver said the notice left him worried about how he would continue to support his family.
Jakara says the March 6 extension provides temporary relief, but does not resolve the underlying issue.
“While we appreciate the postponement, that alone is not the solution,” the spokesperson said. “The case must proceed.”
Jakara warned that the impact of the cancellations could extend beyond drivers and their families.
“When these workers are abruptly removed from the workforce, everybody feels the impact,” the spokesperson said.
A court decision could come before the March deadline. Jakara says affected drivers remain legally licensed.
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