LEAD COUNSEL IN WRIT LITIGATION And UNITED SIKHS CONTINUE CALIFORNIA LEGAL CHALLENGE REGARDING CDL ELIGIBILITY FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT
Fresno, California – June 17, 2026
The law firm, Katsuranis & Rodriguez, and UNITED SIKHS announced that they will continue pursuing litigation challenging a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licensing determination that resulted in the denial of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
The case presents an important legal question regarding what documentation the California DMV must accept as proof of LPR status for purposes of obtaining a CDL.
The petitioner presented a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a “Green Card,” together with a USCIS Form I-797 notice and contends that the documentation, when combined, establishes lawful permanent resident status. The litigation seeks judicial review of the DMV’s refusal to issue the requested CDL.
The petitioner sought emergency relief through a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to continue working as a commercial driver while the case proceeds. The court denied the initial TRO application without prejudice. Following a renewed application, the court again denied emergency relief. The litigation remains pending, and the court has not issued a final ruling on the merits of the petitioner’s claims.
Lead counsel, Francisco Rodriguez, a California attorney with more than thirty years of legal experience, and with filing writs against the DMV specifically, is evaluating the next procedural steps in the case by measures to obtain a prompt resolution of the legal issues presented.
“However, the central legal question remains unresolved. We look forward to presenting the case on its merits and obtaining judicial guidance regarding the documentation required to establish lawful permanent resident status for CDL purposes.” Sanchez-Day added.
According to the petitioner, the core issue is whether the California DMV may refuse to accept a Permanent Resident Card and USCIS Form I-797 documentation as sufficient evidence of lawful permanent resident status. The petitioner contends that the DMV’s actions were arbitrary and capricious and seeks judicial review of that determination. The DMV disputes those claims.
UNITED SIKHS believes the issues raised in the case may have broader implications for lawful permanent residents seeking employment opportunities that require state-issued professional or commercial licenses.
The organization will continue to monitor the proceedings and advocate for fair, transparent, and legally consistent licensing practices that ensure qualified individuals are afforded due process and equal access to employment opportunities.
About UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is an international civil and human rights organization dedicated to protecting civil liberties, advancing access to justice, defending religious freedom, and providing humanitarian assistance worldwide. Guided by the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala—the well-being of all—UNITED SIKHS works to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect under the law.
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