NewKerala.com

Key Points

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate pause on worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers. He cited concerns about road safety and the protection of American jobs as primary reasons for this decision. This action comes shortly after a fatal highway crash in Florida involving an illegal alien truck driver that resulted in three deaths. The move is part of a broader review of US visa holders and follows previous executive orders requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers.

Key Points: Marco Rubio Pauses US Worker Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers

  • Policy follows fatal Florida crash caused by illegal alien driver
  • Cites road safety and protection of American trucker jobs
  • Linked to DHS detainer for Harjinder Singh after 3 deaths
  • Part of broader visa review affecting 55 million holders
3 min read

US pauses issuing worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, says Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio halts foreign truck driver visas citing road safety and American job protection after a fatal Florida crash involving an illegal alien.

"The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives - Marco Rubio"

Washington, DC, August 22

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that effective immediately, the US is pausing the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers in the United States. He cited reasons of road safety and loss of jobs for Americans at the hands of foreign drivers as reasons.

Rubio made the announcement in a post on X on Friday.

"Effective immediately we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers."

https://x.com/secrubio/status/1958644528253948015?s=12

Rubio's announcement comes shortly after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lodged an arrest detainer for Harjinder Singh.

DHS, citing the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Singh, an illegal alien, on August 12 attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an "official use only" access point, which blocked all lanes of the highway with his truck and resulted in a wreck, causing 3 deaths.

In a post on X on August 18, Secretary Noem said that her team is working to "root out and prevent illegal aliens from obtaining these licenses from sanctuary jurisdictions that put American drivers and passengers in danger."

https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/1957467260072628401

Acccording to The Hill, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said Tuesday that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched an investigation into the deadly Florida highway crash.

Previously, US President Trump had penned an executive order in late April requiring all commercial truck drivers operating in the United States to be proficient in English. He had designated English as the country's official language in an executive order in March.

The Hill cited the White House order, which said at that time, "They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers... Drivers need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English."

According to The Hill, foreign truckers in the US are usually working on H-2B visas.

It further reported that on Thursday, the US State Department confirmed it is reviewing more than 55 million US visa holders for possible deportable violations, including criminal activity, visa overstays and engagement in any form of "terrorist activity."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While safety is important, this feels like an overreaction. Many Indian drivers have excellent safety records. The English proficiency requirement makes sense though - communication is key for road safety.
A
Aman W
My cousin drives trucks in Texas on H-2B visa. He's worried about his job now. This will affect many Indian families who depend on these opportunities. Hope they reconsider this blanket ban.
S
Sarah B
As someone who's driven cross-country, I've seen both good and bad drivers regardless of nationality. The focus should be on better training and screening rather than banning entire groups.
V
Vikram M
The timing is suspicious after that Florida accident. Feels like political messaging rather than genuine safety concern. Many Indian drivers have decades of experience without incidents.
M
Michael C
While I understand protecting American jobs, the trucking industry has had driver shortages for years. Foreign drivers fill an important gap. Maybe better vetting instead of complete pause?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50