President Donald Trump has delivered another strong America First policy by halting all new work visas for foreign truck drivers. The administration says the decision is about saving American lives, defending U.S. jobs, and restoring common sense to immigration policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the order Thursday, warning that a surge of international drivers operating big rigs on American highways is both dangerous for families and destructive to American truckers’ livelihoods.
“Starting today, all work visas for commercial truck drivers are being suspended,” Rubio announced on X. “The influx of foreign operators behind the wheel of tractor-trailers is endangering American lives and threatening the jobs of the truckers who keep our nation’s supply chain running.”
Florida Crash Sparks Crackdown
This tough move comes days after a shocking tragedy in Florida. Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant truck driver, attempted an illegal U-turn that caused a fiery crash, killing several people north of West Palm Beach. Singh now faces three counts of vehicular homicide.
Homeland Security confirmed Singh should never have been in the country to begin with. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said investigators from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are now reviewing the crash, calling it a prime example of why stricter oversight is necessary.
Trump’s Push for English Proficiency
Thursday’s action builds on President Trump’s earlier executive orders. In April, Trump required all commercial truck drivers in the U.S. to prove English proficiency. In March, he declared English the official language of the United States.
According to the White House, truck drivers must be able to:
- Read and understand traffic signs
- Communicate with police and safety officials
- Follow directions at weigh stations and checkpoints
- Safely report to employers and customers in English
These rules ensure America’s roads stay safe and that truckers can operate responsibly without language barriers.
H-2B Visas Under Review
Most foreign truckers work under H-2B visas, which are now frozen. But the crackdown doesn’t stop there. The State Department confirmed it is reviewing more than 55 million U.S. visa holders for criminal activity, overstays, and potential terrorist ties.
Just last week, visas from Gaza were also paused as part of a wider security review. The administration says this is part of a sweeping effort to prioritize Americans first.
America First: Jobs and Safety Come First
By stopping foreign truck driver visas, President Trump is delivering on his promise to protect American workers and families. Supporters say this move strengthens border security, shields U.S. truckers from unfair competition, and ensures that American highways remain safe and secure.
For decades, politicians in Washington looked the other way while foreign labor replaced American jobs. President Trump is making sure that era is over.