English assessment application for Professional drivers in illinois It has reignited the debate about who can work in transport and under what conditions. Arrests and summonses have increased significantly this year. Particular emphasis is placed on Immigrant drivers with commercial licenses.
Violations related to English proficiency among commercial drivers So far this year, the number almost exceeds the total recorded in 2024.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), since adding a compact modification to the North American Off-duty Standard in June, officers have issued 221 citations related to language assessments.
The organization’s spokesman explained thatEvery officer who inspects a commercial vehicle begins the inspection in English.”according to America Online.
“If there is any indication that the driver may not understand the instructions, then The inspector conducts a language proficiency assessment“The official added.
So far, around 550 motorists were fined for not understanding the language, a number already close to the numbers for the whole of 2024. Which far exceeds the 385 citations recorded in 2023.
this year, 18% of the penalties apply to holders of business licenses issued in the state of IllinoisAlthough the majority still falls on drivers from abroad. “The vast majority of citations are issued to drivers with out-of-state licenses,” police said.
The scale of the problem prompted a quick response from state Legislator Adam Niemerg, R-Dietrich.
Upon learning that approximately one in five people subject to sanctions has an Illinois license, the representative warned: “We have to solve the problem in Illinois. The federal government and other states have to solve it in their states. But this really scares me.”.
He also criticized the Republican lawmaker The state police refused to allow a journalist to participate in the surveillance operation To monitor how assessments are applied.
“It is very troubling that they are willing to provide you with information, however You are not allowed to accompany an officer to find out what is happening in IllinoisBecause PSI works directly with Governor JB Pritzker. “Maybe there’s something they’re hiding that they don’t want you to see.”He said.
The controversy escalated further after a fatal accident occurred there An immigrant in an irregular situation collides with his car, causing the death of two people in the state.
After that incident, Niemerg introduced a bill requiring this Those who wish to obtain a standard Illinois driver’s license must be US citizens. Currently, the country allows non-citizens to obtain this document.
The legislator stressed that the lack of proficiency in the English language complicates the tasks of customers on the road: “We have a situation in which, When police arrest an illegal immigrant who cannot speak English, the law does not allow him to be detained“Do not ask about their immigration status.”
Niemerg’s proposal is defined as House Bill 4184will also add commit to Proof of knowledge of English to obtain a standard license.
In response to criticism that considered the initiative discriminatory, he responded: “I don’t see anything racist about someone being able to read a sign to drive in Illinois.”.