Governor Shapiro Addresses Controversy Surrounding Illegal Immigrant Trucker’s CDL Status

Governor Shapiro Addresses Controversy Surrounding Illegal Immigrant Trucker’s CDL Status

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro faced significant criticism after the arrest of Akhror Bozorov, an Uzbek illegal immigrant with suspected terrorist ties. Bozorov was apprehended by federal authorities while driving a commercial truck in Kansas, despite holding a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license.

Bozorov, previously wanted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for links to terrorist organizations, was detected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine operation. His Pennsylvania driver’s license was issued to an address in Somerton, Philadelphia.

In response to the backlash, Shapiro clarified that Bozorov’s name remained in the federal database utilized by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for verifying noncitizens’ licensure eligibility. Shapiro’s administration drafted a strongly worded letter to state lawmakers, refuting claims that Bozorov could have registered to vote, as critics alleged.

Response from Pennsylvania Officials

In a letter to leaders of both the House and Senate, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt responded to what they termed “misstatements and ill-informed speculation.” They specifically addressed claims suggesting that illegal immigrants were permitted by the Shapiro administration to obtain state-issued driver’s licenses.

Both officials emphasized that all noncitizens who apply for a driver’s license must provide proof of identity and have their legal status verified through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database. The letter explicitly stated, “The SAVE database is maintained by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and in this instance, PennDOT followed the established federal process for confirming that the applicant was lawfully present.”

Verification Process Under Scrutiny

Carroll indicated that PennDOT had communicated with the Department of Homeland Security regarding Bozorov’s case. They found no flags or issues in the database since Bozorov’s license was issued in July. Consequently, officials argued that they adhered strictly to federal guidelines when issuing the CDL.

Schmidt’s office manages voter registration and state elections, further reinforcing the contention that noncitizens who receive licenses are designated with