JUST IN: United States Suspends Work Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers

 “U.S. Immediately Pauses Issuance of Work Visas for Commercial Truck Drivers, Citing Safety Risks and Threats to American Jobs”

In-Depth Report

Date of Announcement: August 21, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on that day an immediate halt to the issuance of all work visas for commercial truck drivers—a move framed as a necessary step to protect public safety and American truckers’ livelihoods.

Key Context & Justifications:

• The decision follows a deadly crash in Florida on August 12 involving Harjinder Singh, an undocumented driver who allegedly performed an illegal U-turn on a highway, leading to three fatalities. Singh reportedly had limited English proficiency and obtained a commercial license despite questionable eligibility. 
• Rubio emphasized the increase of “foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks” is “endangering American lives” and “undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.” 
• The policy targets visa classifications such as H-2B, E-2, and EB-3, frequently used by companies to bring in truck drivers. 
• The measure is supported by trucking associations, despite an existing driver shortage of roughly 60,000, because they seek stricter vetting and fairness in the hiring process. 

Impacts & Implications:

• Only small numbers of foreign truck drivers are affected—approximately 1,500 H-2B visas for truckers were issued this fiscal year, similar to last year’s 1,400. 
• The news has sent shockwaves through communities such as Sikh Americans, who form a significant portion of foreign truck drivers; they now face uncertainty and have launched advocacy efforts like the “On the Road: Sikh American Truck Drivers” initiative. 
• The administration is also implementing a broader “continuous vetting” policy for over 55 million existing visa holders, aiming to revoke visas if new disqualifying information arises. 
• Industry voices argue this crackdown may fuel supply chain disruptions, logistical bottlenecks, and inflation through heightened transportation costs. 

This policy shift—set in motion by a tragic accident—underscores the administration’s approach to immigration and transportation: prioritizing enforcement and job protection over the logistical realities of a labor-critical industry. While safety and security are vital, the economic ripple effects and human impact on communities like Sikh American truckers will be closely watched.