U.S. Halts Worker Visas Amid Trucking Safety Concerns

The United States has announced an immediate halt to issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He stated that the growing presence of foreign drivers on U.S. roads poses significant safety risks and competition challenges to American truckers' livelihoods.

This decision follows a tragic incident on a Florida highway that resulted in three fatalities. The crash involved an Indian national driver who reportedly lacked English proficiency and legal documentation to be in the U.S. Harjinder Singh, charged with vehicular homicide, allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn, leading to the deadly collision.

The Trump administration is enforcing English proficiency for commercial drivers, reversing previous guidance that allowed non-compliance. The U.S. Transportation Secretary acknowledged the critical need for compliance to prevent further accidents, while some foreign drivers are now adapting by learning English to meet new standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)