Chandigarh: In a significant diplomatic appeal, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention following reports that the United States has suspended work visa issuance for commercial drivers — a move said to be linked to a recent truck accident in Florida involving a Punjabi-origin driver.
In his letter, Arora expressed deep concern over the sweeping nature of the action, emphasizing that the visa pause is already causing considerable anxiety and hardship among the estimated 1.5 lakh Punjabis employed in the US trucking industry. He warned that such a blanket measure, if left unchallenged, could unjustly penalize an entire law-abiding and hard-working community for the isolated actions of one individual.
“Livelihoods at Risk, Reputation at Stake”
While acknowledging the seriousness of the Florida incident, Arora stressed that collective punishment was both “unjust” and “counterproductive.” He underscored the role of the Punjabi community in powering the American logistics sector and pointed out that any disruption to their employment has ripple effects on both economies.
“A broad restriction following a single event not only threatens livelihoods but also risks damaging India’s international image,” the minister stated. He further noted that Punjabi drivers have long been recognized for their work ethic, forming a critical backbone of the American supply chain.
Urgent Requests Made to MEA
In the letter, Arora called for immediate and strategic diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs. His key recommendations include:
- Prompt engagement between the Indian Embassy and US authorities to seek detailed clarification on the scope and expected timeline of the visa suspension.
- Strong representation to ensure that visa decisions are not driven by generalizations based on isolated cases.
- The creation of a transparent and equitable system to evaluate visa applications for commercial drivers moving forward.
Standing by the Diaspora
Arora’s appeal also reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its global diaspora. He described the current situation as a “testing time” for thousands of Punjabi families who depend on overseas work for their livelihoods.
He urged the Union Government to act swiftly to reassure the affected community and ensure that diplomatic channels are fully utilized to resolve the issue at the earliest.
A copy of the letter has also been marked to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, highlighting the seriousness of the matter and the need for urgent diplomatic outreach.
The development comes as concerns grow over rising scrutiny of immigrant workers in the United States. Migrant rights groups and transport unions have welcomed Arora’s move, calling it a timely intervention that could help avert long-term consequences for the community and the industry at large.
