Staff Reports
In a startling series of events that defy common sense and safety protocols, an illegal immigrant was able to secure a commercial driver’s license that led to tragic consequences. Harjinder Singh, originally from India, made a reckless U-turn on a highway in Florida, resulting in a devastating crash that killed three Americans. This incident has reignited the debate over immigration policies and the responsibilities of states in ensuring the safety of their licensing processes.
The timeline of events leading to this tragedy is baffling. In September 2020, under the Trump administration, Singh’s application for work authorization was denied, suggesting an enforcement of stringent immigration policies. However, things took a different turn when, under the Biden administration in June 2021, his application was approved. Fast forward to July 2023, and a full-term commercial driver’s license (CDL) was inexplicably issued to him in Washington State. This was despite the glaring fact that, as an illegal immigrant, he was not eligible for such a license.
Washington State dropped the ball by treating Singh as a U.S. citizen, issuing him a full CDL without ensuring he met all the necessary qualifications, most notably the ability to read and speak English. The complications didn’t stop there. California, not to be outdone in the art of bureaucratic oversights, granted him a nondomicile CDL, further escalating the potential for disaster. Such licenses are usually reserved for foreign workers who comply with specific legal prerequisites, not available to someone with Singh’s status.
In what can only be described as a comedy of errors, New Mexico State Police pulled Singh over and even though he failed to demonstrate basic English proficiency or read road signs, they allowed him to continue driving. This lack of enforcement of basic safety regulations directly paved the way for the tragic incident in Florida. To say this is a failure of the system would be an understatement. Rather, it’s a glaring example of what happens when political correctness trumps common sense, and regulations are flouted by states under the guise of inclusivity.
Transportation officials now vow to hold states like Washington, California, and New Mexico accountable, promising serious consequences for their non-compliance with federal safety regulations. In this case, ensuring a driver can read road signs is not just a box to tick; it’s a necessity for the safety of all Americans on the road. The flippant disregard for this requirement contributed to the death of three innocent people.
It’s time for these states to get serious about licensing reforms and align with federal regulations that prioritize the safety of the American people over misguided attempts at inclusivity. The tools are there, as pointed out by officials, to enforce compliance and, for the sake of everyone on the road, they must be used effectively. It’s time to take off the blinders, recognize the gravity of giving illegal and unqualified individuals the means to operate heavy vehicles, and focus on safeguarding American lives first.
