U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union deal with throughout a Joint Session of Congress on the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.
| Picture Credit score: AFP
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 Legislation’, which goals at proscribing issuance of economic driver license to unlawful immigrants. The transfer is anticipated to negatively impression 1000’s of Indian-origin drivers, particularly from Punjab and Haryana.
The regulation is called after the six-year-old Delilah Coleman, a first-grader, who suffered grievous accidents after an Indian truck driver rammed his tractor trailer into the previous’s automobile. The mishap occurred on June 20, 2024, in Adelanto, San Bernardino County, California.
President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union deal with, lasting roughly 2 hours, reiterated his hardened stance in opposition to unlawful 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 each legislator to affix with my administration in reaffirming a basic precept. If you happen to agree with this assertion, then arise and present your help. The primary obligation of the American authorities is to guard Americans, not unlawful aliens”, Mr. Trump stated.
Who’s Delilah Coleman?
Delilah Coleman is a six-year previous little one, who suffered life-altering accidents in a multi-vehicle crash attributable to an Indian truck driver. Coleman was 5 years previous throughout the mishap. She was airlifted from the scene in a essential state. The mishap led Coleman to endure a severe mind harm, cranium fractures, and a damaged femur. She remained in a coma for 3 weeks. Later, she needed to endure a craniectomy (elimination of a part of her cranium).
In line with New York Put up, Coleman is grappling to stroll within the aftermath of mishap. Additionally, the mishap left her impaired to eat meals, and had her identified with diplegic cerebral palsy.
Coleman, who attended President Trump’s State of the Union deal with, acquired applause from lawmakers, friends and attendees, for being an inspiration behind the regulation.
In his speech, Mr. Trump famous, “Docs stated Delilah would by no means be capable to stroll or speak, have a very good life. She wouldn’t even be capable to eat once more. However in opposition to all odds, she is now within the first grade, studying to stroll. And he or she’s right here this night together with her dad Marcus, a implausible man. Delilah, please, you’re a nice inspiration. Please arise. Thanks, Delilah”.
Impression in opposition to Indian immigrants
The transfer holds important potential behind U.S.-India bilateral ties since Donald Trump administration prior to now has deported over 2,400 unlawful Indian immigrants. Between January 2025 and January 2026, over 2,400 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated.
Nevertheless, the foremost hassle might come up with the strict English proficiency calls for, as talked about by Mr. Trump in his speech. Over 1.5 lakh Indian-origin truckers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, reportedly work within the U.S. to earn for his or her dwelling.
In line with the Pew Analysis Centre, roughly 4.8% to five% of all undocumented immigrants within the U.S. have been from India. Regardless of the comparatively decrease proportion of unlawful immigrants, India has develop into the third-largest supply of undocumented immigrants, following solely Mexico and El Salvador.
Learn | How will Trump deal with unlawful Indians?
The newest information (2022-24), suggests round 7,25,000 are estimated to be unlawful immigrants, accounting for six.6% of the whole inhabitants. Following a change in U.S. administration and stricter enforcement, unlawful migration from India reportedly plunged by 77% within the first 9 months of 2025, highest ever until date.
Revealed – February 25, 2026 05:22 pm IST
