Suspension of visas for truck drivers in the US

Photo of Yassine Khalfalli in Unsplash

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate suspension of all work visas for commercial truck drivers. The decision is in response to the August 12 crash on a Florida highway, which left three dead and raised concerns about road safety and foreign driver screening protocols.

What motivated the measure?

The accident involved Harjinder Singh, an Indian-born driver who allegedly entered the country illegally and obtained commercial licenses in at least two states (Washington and California) despite not meeting the legal requirements. Singh also allegedly failed an English proficiency test, raising questions about the safety of allowing unqualified drivers to operate heavy vehicles.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the incident "a preventable tragedy, caused by reckless decisions and administrative failures." He also noted that in April, President Trump signed an executive order requiring strict English proficiency for commercial drivers, reversing previous guidance that had prevented penalties for lack of English proficiency.

Impacts and responses from the sector

• Driver shortage: Although foreign drivers make up a significant percentage of the sector (around 16–18 %), experts warn that curbing the entry of these workers could worsen the existing shortage, estimated at 60,000 vacant positions nationwide.
• Institutional Support: The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) backed the decision, also urging a halt to commercial licenses issued in states where the driver does not reside (non-domiciled CDLs). Its president, Todd Spencer, stressed the need for more rigorous safety and training standards.
• The American Trucking Association (ATA) also expressed its support, emphasizing the urgency of reviewing licenses issued without residency and strengthening training and compliance requirements.

In what scenario is this announcement framed?

The government is conducting a broader review of immigration and workplace safety policies, including expanded scrutiny of visa protocols. Although the suspension specifically targets commercial truck drivers, it is part of a broader trend of immigration and regulatory enforcement in the transportation sector.

The U.S. government has immediately paused the issuance of work visas for commercial truck drivers following a fatal accident in Florida. The measure seeks to protect road safety and American jobs, while sparking debate about the impact on transportation supply and regulatory compliance within the industry.

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Sources:

• CBS News