In a troubling case out of Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro found himself in the hot seat after authorities arrested Akhror Bozorov, an Uzbek illegal immigrant with alleged ties to terrorist organizations. His detainment by ICE occurred while he was operating a commercial truck in Kansas and holding a Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a Philadelphia address. This incident raises serious questions about the state’s vetting process for noncitizens looking to obtain driver’s licenses.
Governor Shapiro responded swiftly to the backlash, emphasizing that Bozorov had passed through the state’s licensing process without any flags from the federal databases utilized to verify the legal status of applicants. As of his latest statement, Bozorov, who is wanted in Uzbekistan on suspicion of terrorism-related charges, still remained in PennDOT’s system as a legitimate license holder.
Shapiro’s administration issued a letter to state lawmakers, addressing what they termed “misstatements and ill-informed speculation.” This communication came from PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, who aimed to clarify that under the current administration, illegal immigrants cannot simply obtain a driver’s license. They stated, “All non-citizens who apply for driver’s licenses… must provide PennDOT with proof of identity and must have their legal presence in this country verified through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database.” This assertion underscores the vital role that federal databases play in the state’s licensing process.
In a bid to bolster public confidence, the letter highlighted that the SAVE database is maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to them, Bozorov was not flagged during the time of his application in July. This statement raises further concerns regarding the reliability of the federal verification system and its implications for state-level responsibilities.
Interestingly, this incident is unfolding against a backdrop of behavioral warnings from lawmakers who have previously expressed concerns about noncitizens receiving CDs in Pennsylvania. The pushback from the Governor’s office also underscores a growing political friction surrounding immigration enforcement and state governance. Republican lawmakers are now demanding answers from Shapiro about how such an individual could legally drive a heavy truck on the nation’s roads.
In response to the unfolding fallout, Shapiro remarked, “Ironically, we went and checked the database yesterday — he’s still qualified to get a CDL.” This statement indicates an ongoing reliance on the federal database, illustrating the complexity involved in ensuring that only lawfully present individuals can obtain essential licenses. He also criticized DHS, accusing them of not adequately managing their responsibilities, stating, “DHS was clearly not minding the shop.” This comment reflects frustration with federal authorities, which he feels are not up to the mark in maintaining the integrity of their verification processes.
However, DHS countered Governor Shapiro’s claims by asserting that federal work authorization does not equate to legal status in the U.S. A spokesperson for the department pointedly remarked that, “Just because the Biden administration granted Bozorov — a wanted terrorist — work authorization and sanctuary politician Gov. Shapiro allowed him to get a CDL in Pennsylvania, does not mean he should be on America’s roads.” This sharp response from DHS adds another layer of complexity to the situation, focusing attention on the ramifications of granting work permits without adequate legal status checks.
The entire episode raises troubling questions about the intersection of state and federal systems in handling immigration issues. Residents may now find themselves wondering how robust these safety nets truly are, particularly when it comes to ensuring that dangerous individuals do not slip through the cracks and gain access to the necessary tools for operating heavy machinery. As the story unfolds, the implications for public safety and administrative accountability remain to be seen.
"*" indicates required fields
