U.S. Suspends Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers After Controversial Accident in Florida

Trump suspends visas for foreign truckers

Measure impacts national transportation sector

Florida case sparks controversy

According to EFE, the United States announced this Thursday the immediate suspension of work visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, arguing that they pose a risk to road safety and directly affect the employment of American truckers.

The measure was confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio through his official X account, where he asserted that the growing number of foreign operators behind the wheel of large vehicles constitutes a threat.

“They endanger the lives of Americans and undermine the livelihoods of U.S. truckers,” Rubio wrote in the statement, justifying the decision as an act of both labor and social protection.

Although he did not provide figures on accidents involving foreign workers, Rubio said the suspension would take immediate effect and apply nationwide.

Accident in Florida Intensifies the Controversy Over Foreign Truck Drivers

BREAKING: The U.S. suspends the issuance of work visas for commercial truck drivers, as the growing number of foreign drivers “is endangering the lives of Americans and undermining the livelihoods of U.S. truckers.” pic.twitter.com/lVjmjBrgct

— Tony Venet (@TonyVenet274186) August 21, 2025

The announcement comes amid a tense political climate, following the recent arrest of Harjinder Singh, a truck driver of Indian origin accused of causing a fatal accident in Florida.

Singh was charged with attempting an illegal maneuver on a highway in St. Lucie County, which resulted in the deaths of three people traveling in a minivan.

The case triggered harsh criticism against the California administration, led by Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, since Singh had reportedly obtained his license to operate commercial trucks there.

Supporters of President Donald Trump seized on the tragedy to criticize state policies and bolster the White House’s hardline immigration stance.

Mass Visa Review in the U.S.

Trump suspends visas for foreign truckers – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

In addition to suspending new visas for truckers, the federal administration confirmed it will begin a review of more than 55 million active visas.

According to official spokespeople, the objective is to detect possible violations that could lead to the cancellation of documents and the deportation of thousands of individuals.

This is one of the broadest immigration actions announced in recent months and, according to analysts, could immediately affect the transportation and logistics sector.

The United States faces a historic shortage of commercial truck drivers, a problem that has for years been mitigated by hiring foreign workers.

Trump Reinforces Immigration Policy With New Measures

Trump suspends visas for truckers – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

According to figures from industry associations, the transportation sector needs to fill at least 80,000 vacancies, a situation likely to worsen after the White House’s decision.

Critics argue that suspending visas will not solve road safety issues and could instead disrupt supply chains and drive up transportation costs.

Nevertheless, the Trump administration defended the move as a “common-sense” action aimed at strengthening public safety and protecting American jobs.

The debate over immigrant participation in the transportation industry is not new and has often been used as a political weapon.

Reactions to the Suspension of Truckers’ Visas

President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend visas for foreign truck drivers has drawn strong reactions in both the transportation sector and political circles.

While some truckers’ unions applaud the measure as a way to safeguard local jobs, migrant advocacy organizations denounce it as discriminatory and poorly justified.

Business leaders warn that the restriction could strain supply chain logistics, since foreign drivers represent a significant portion of the workforce.

For now, the federal government maintains that road safety takes precedence over any economic impact.