Trucking vet lawmaker sounds off on illegal immigrant drivers as REAL ID deadline looms
Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican with a background in the trucking industry, has raised concerns about illegal immigrants working as commercial drivers in light of the impending REAL ID deadline. Collins supports President Trump's executive order requiring English proficiency for professional drivers, attributing a 75% increase in accident rates to drivers who cannot speak or read English. He argues that these drivers, often illegal immigrants, have no accountability in case of accidents as they are not legally in the country. The REAL ID initiative aims to enforce stricter identification standards, which could prevent those without compliant IDs from boarding flights or entering federal buildings. Although Collins is skeptical about the immediate impact of REAL ID, he believes it is a step toward addressing the larger issue of illegal immigration in the trucking industry and beyond.
Rep. Mike Collins, whose family is involved in the trucking industry, has expressed concern about illegal immigrants working as drivers, particularly as the REAL ID deadline approaches, which aims to enforce stricter identification standards.
Collins supports President Trump's executive order mandating English proficiency for commercial drivers, attributing a 75% increase in accident rates to drivers who cannot read or speak English, which he believes compromises road safety.
He argues that illegal immigrant drivers have no accountability in accidents because they are not legally in the country, often resulting in no significant consequences for their actions.
The REAL ID initiative, supported by the Trump administration, seeks to prevent individuals with non-compliant IDs from boarding flights or accessing federal buildings, thereby tightening immigration controls.
Despite the initiative, Collins remains skeptical about its immediate impact, as states may continue issuing non-REAL ID-compliant licenses, but he views it as a crucial step in addressing illegal immigration issues in the trucking industry.
The Department of Homeland Security highlights that under Biden, non-compliant IDs from sanctuary cities allowed illegal aliens to board flights, whereas REAL ID aims to ensure only verified travelers can fly.
Collins's stance is part of a broader political discourse on immigration policies, aligning with efforts to reinforce security and sovereignty in the U.S. by addressing loopholes in current identification and licensing systems.