The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Florida's attempt to sue California and Washington for allegedly granting business licenses to immigrant truckers who are in the United States illegally and do not speak English.

The case arose after a fatal accident that occurred in 2025 on a highway in Florida, where Harjinder Singh, a driver originally from India who had entered the United States from Mexico, was involved. According to state and federal investigations, Singh allegedly could not read traffic signs and faces criminal charges, although he has pleaded not guilty.

According to information reported by the AP, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier accused California and Washington of ignoring federal safety rules by allowing certain drivers to obtain commercial licenses.

California and Washington reject accusations

Authorities in both states denied Florida's claims and defended their immigration verification processes and English testing.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the Department of Motor Vehicles verifies legal presence through federal databases and requires proof of English language proficiency before issuing business licenses.

“Florida's claims are based on erroneous assumptions about California law and practice,” Bonta told the court.

Washington also called the lawsuit a “political maneuver” and said its exams meet federal standards.

Immigration debate reaches commercial transportation

The case reflects how the immigration debate continues to expand towards labor and road safety issues in the country.

Donald Trump's administration has toughened its stance on immigrant truckers and business licenses. In April 2025, Trump signed an executive order to strengthen the requirement that commercial drivers read and speak English fluently.

Although the Supreme Court rejected the lawsuit, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito said they would have allowed the case to move forward.