Pennsylvania Governor Questions Federal Vetting After Commercial License Granted to Immigrant on Watchlist

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has halted a state program that issues commercial driver's licenses to immigrants. This action follows his administration's discovery that a recent applicant was on a federal terrorism watchlist. The individual, an immigrant from Uzbekistan, received a commercial license to drive trucks. State officials have stated they approved the application because the person first passed a federal background check through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Governor Shapiro has since demanded answers from DHS. He questions why the individual, who was in a federal database for security concerns, was able to pass the initial federal vetting. The incident has sparked a dispute between state and federal officials over who is responsible for the vetting failure. In response, Governor Shapiro suspended the program. He stated the suspension will remain until a thorough investigation ensures the vetting process is secure.