Donald Trump has urged Congress to pass a new measure called the “Dalilah Law,” aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving commercial driver’s licences (CDLs).
The proposal follows a serious road accident in California in June 2024 that left a five-year-old girl, Dalilah Coleman, with severe and permanent injuries. According to authorities, the crash occurred when a tractor-trailer allegedly failed to slow down near a construction zone, leading to a multi-vehicle collision.
The truck was driven by Partap Singh, an Indian-origin man who had entered the United States illegally in 2022. After the incident, he was arrested and later taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Dalilah suffered a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures and a broken leg in the crash. She remained in a coma for nearly three weeks and spent months in hospital. Doctors later diagnosed her with cerebral palsy and developmental delays. She is expected to need ongoing therapy and medical care.
During his address to Congress, Trump invited Dalilah and her father to attend. He praised her strength and recovery, saying her story highlights the need for stricter laws.
Currently, commercial driver’s licences are issued by individual states. Trump argued that the federal government should step in to ensure undocumented immigrants are not granted such licences. He said the proposed law would improve road safety and protect American families.
The “Dalilah Law” is likely to face debate in Congress, with supporters backing stronger enforcement measures, while critics warn the proposal could deepen divisions over immigration policy and affect the transportation workforce.
