Trump's Longest State of the Union Address Calls for 'Dalilah's Law' on Immigration
In a historic and lengthy State of the Union speech, President Donald Trump strongly urged Congress to enact "Dalilah's Law," a proposed legislative measure designed to prevent states from issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. This initiative aligns closely with his administration's stringent immigration policies, marking a significant push in his ongoing efforts to tighten border controls and enforce immigration laws.
Legislation Named After Young Crash Victim
President Trump revealed that the bill is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, a first-grade student who suffered severe injuries in a catastrophic car accident. The crash involved an undocumented Indian-origin truck driver, Partap Singh, who allegedly failed to stop his speeding vehicle. Trump emphasized this case to highlight what he described as the dangers posed by undocumented individuals on U.S. roads.
"Many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs... That's why tonight, I'm calling on Congress to pass what we will call the 'Dalilah Law'—barring any state from granting Commercial Drivers Licenses to illegal aliens," declared Trump during his address. He also took the opportunity to criticize his predecessor, Joe Biden, over the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States, framing it as a critical issue for national safety.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Broader Reforms
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Partap Singh was operating an 18-wheeler through a construction zone when he failed to halt, resulting in a devastating collision that left then five-year-old Dalilah critically injured. Singh allegedly entered the United States illegally via the southern border in October 2022 and was later released under the Biden administration. He was re-arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August 2025 and is currently undergoing deportation proceedings.
Dalilah's recovery has been arduous; she spent three weeks in a coma and underwent six months of hospital treatment, including a craniectomy. For four months, she lived without half her skull, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security, citing her family. The New York Post detailed that the crash left her unable to eat orally, with a broken femur and multiple skull fractures. She has since been diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy and global developmental delay, conditions requiring lifelong therapy.
Now seven years old, Dalilah attended Trump's State of the Union address, where he announced the proposal named in her honor. The New York Post noted that she is relearning how to walk following the traumatic 2024 accident that struck her family's vehicle.
Call for Criminal Justice Reforms
Beyond immigration, President Trump also advocated for broader criminal justice reforms, stressing the need to ensure that "violent and dangerous repeat offenders are put behind bars, and importantly, stay there." This dual focus on immigration and justice underscores his administration's priorities as he seeks to address public safety concerns comprehensively.
The proposal of 'Dalilah's Law' has sparked discussions on immigration enforcement and state rights, with proponents arguing it enhances road safety and opponents viewing it as overly restrictive. As the debate unfolds, the story of Dalilah Coleman serves as a poignant backdrop to the political and policy challenges facing the nation.
