Former Governor Cooper Faces scrutiny over immigration and driver’s license policies
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is under intense scrutiny as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate, with critics pointing to his record on immigration and driver’s license issuance.
Driver’s License Policy and Voter Roll Concerns
As state attorney general, Cooper championed a policy that allowed non‑citizens to obtain driver’s licenses without proof of lawful presence, a move that led to 54 percent of commercial driver’s licenses being issued to foreign nationals, according to a 2023 state audit.
State legislators attempted to tighten documentation requirements, but Cooper vetoed the bill, arguing it would impede legitimate drivers; the veto was criticized by Republican lawmakers who said it opened the door for illegal immigrants to register to vote.
Federal Response and Broader Impact
Federal officials announced the shutdown of 100 commercial trucking schools this week, citing insufficient English proficiency among instructors, a development that underscores the administration’s focus on language standards in commercial driver training.
Critics argue that Cooper’s actions have effectively enabled illegal immigration by facilitating access to identification documents and, consequently, to voter registration rolls, a claim that has fueled partisan debate ahead of the Senate race.
While Democrats defend the policies as promoting road safety and economic participation, opponents contend that they undermine immigration law and threaten electoral integrity.
Cooper has not responded to requests for comment; his campaign office declined to provide further details.
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