The United States has suspended the issuance of visas for foreign truck drivers following a deadly crash in Florida that killed three people.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Thursday, saying foreign drivers are “endangering American lives and undercutting US truckers.” The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The suspension comes after Harjinder Singh, an Indian national, was charged with causing the Florida crash while attempting an illegal U-turn. Officials said Singh entered the US illegally, later received a commercial license in California, and failed an English test after the incident.
Political Tensions
The case has sparked political debate, as Singh lived in California, a Democratic-led state often at odds with Trump’s immigration policies. Florida’s Republican lieutenant governor personally joined immigration agents to extradite Singh, intensifying the political spotlight.
Foreign Drivers in the Industry
Federal data shows foreign-born truck drivers more than doubled between 2000 and 2021, now making up about 18% of the US trucking workforce. Many come from Latin America, India, and Eastern Europe, filling labor gaps in an industry struggling with a driver shortage.
Immigration Crackdown
The visa halt adds to a series of restrictions, including a June directive requiring truck drivers to prove English proficiency. Critics argue the ban will worsen delivery delays, while supporters say it protects American jobs and lives.
