Washington (Rajeev Sharma): The U.S. government has ordered an immediate suspension of the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing rising safety concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move on X, noting that an influx of foreign drivers on American roads was “putting lives at risk” and undermining U.S. trucking jobs.
Florida Accident Sparks Action
The policy shift follows a tragic accident on August 12 in Florida, where three people lost their lives. The truck involved was driven by Harjinder Singh, an Indian national who had reportedly crossed into the United States illegally in 2018.
Investigators said Singh was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer and attempted to make a prohibited U-turn, leading to the crash. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles revealed that Singh had managed to obtain a commercial driver’s license in California despite his immigration status.
Political Backlash
The case has ignited sharp political criticism. Homeland Security officials disclosed that Singh’s work permit was denied during the Trump administration but later approved under President Biden. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also faced heat after his state’s DMV granted Singh a commercial license.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, condemned the licensing decision, saying: “Three innocent people are dead because an undocumented immigrant was allowed to legally drive a tractor-trailer in California. This can’t continue.”
Legal Consequences
Authorities confirmed that Singh will be tried for the crash and subsequently deported. In the meantime, the federal government is reviewing licensing and immigration processes linked to commercial trucking.
The incident has reignited a broader national debate on border control, road safety, and the vetting of heavy vehicle operators.
