On August 21, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate halt to the issuance of work visas for commercial truck drivers—effective immediately. The decision follows the tragic August 12 crash on Florida’s Turnpike involving Harjinder Singh, a truck driver who allegedly made an illegal U-turn that resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
Drivers’ Immigration and Licensing History Under Visa Scrutiny
Singh, an Indian national, reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and had obtained commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) from Washington and California, despite:
- Lacking legal immigration status
- Failing an English proficiency test during the post-crash investigation
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently investigating whether these states violated federal rules when issuing CDLs—particularly regarding compliance with English language requirements for commercial drivers.
Scope of the Visa Suspension for Truck Drivers: H-2B, E-2, EB-3
The visa pause applies to several categories, including:
- H-2B (temporary non-agricultural workers)
- E-2 (investors and essential employees)
- EB-3 (skilled and other workers)
However, the policy exempts truck drivers operating under B-1 visas from Canada and Mexico.
Industry Reaction & Policy Rationale
Trucking Organizations Support the Move
Several key industry groups backed the decision, including:
- American Trucking Associations (ATA) – calling for stricter scrutiny of non-domiciled CDL holders and improved entry-level training
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) – arguing the move prioritizes safety without significantly disrupting the supply chain
Existing Driver Shortage May Worsen
The U.S. trucking sector is already facing a major driver shortage. Current estimates suggest a deficit of tens of thousands of drivers—an issue that could worsen if the visa freeze is prolonged.
Implications for Immigration Attorneys and Applicants
Challenges for Immigration Law Professionals
The policy change introduces complex challenges for immigration practitioners, especially those working with:
- H-2B, E-2, or EB-3 visa applicants in trucking roles
- Clients in visa processing pipelines likely to experience significant delays
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Attorneys should focus on:
- Reviewing state-level CDL issuance processes for federal compliance
- Addressing English language requirements
- Exploring alternative visa routes to meet trucking employer needs
Close monitoring of the visa suspension’s duration and its role in broader immigration enforcement strategy will be essential.
Conclusion: A Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
The suspension of truck driver work visas highlights growing federal scrutiny over immigration, commercial driver licensing, and public safety.
To explore your own options for legalizing in the U.S., call Shepelsky Law Group at (718) 769-6352 today.