Trump’s Delilah Law explained: How Indian truck drivers could face a new bump

Trump calls for ‘Delilah’s Law’ to restrict commercial driving licences for undocumented immigrants after a 2024 crash. The move may impact thousands of Indian-origin truckers.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) urged the joint session of the U.S. Congress for the implementation of ‘Delilah’s Law’, which aims at restricting issuance of commercial driver license to illegal immigrants. The move is expected to negatively impact thousands of Indian-origin drivers, especially from Punjab and Haryana.

The law is named after the six-year-old Delilah Coleman, a first-grader, who suffered grievous injuries after an Indian truck driver rammed his tractor trailer into the former’s car. The mishap occurred on June 20, 2024, in Adelanto, San Bernardino County, California.

President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address, lasting approximately 2 hours, reiterated his hardened stance against illegal immigrants. He pressed the demand for a consolidated effort to bar any state from granting driver’s license to undocumented drivers. “So, tonight, I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens”, Mr. Trump said.

Delilah Coleman is a six-year old child, who suffered life-altering injuries in a multi-vehicle crash caused by an Indian truck driver. Coleman was five years old during the mishap. She was airlifted from the scene in a critical state. The mishap led Coleman to suffer a serious brain injury, skull fractures, and a broken femur. She remained in a coma for three weeks. Later, she had to undergo a craniectomy (removal of part of her skull).

According to New York Post, Coleman is grappling to walk in the aftermath of mishap. Also, the mishap left her impaired to eat food, and had her diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy.

Coleman, who attended President Trump’s State of the Union address, received applause from lawmakers, guests and attendees, for being an inspiration behind the law.