WASHINGTON( The COW News Digital) The U.S. government has announced an immediate halt to the issuance of visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing concerns over domestic employment and road safety. The decision, confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes amid growing scrutiny of the transportation and logistics sector.
According to officials, foreign truck drivers have increasingly been perceived as a threat to the livelihoods of American drivers, while also raising potential safety risks on highways. Rubio emphasized that the move aims to protect U.S. jobs and ensure public safety on roads nationwide.
“Foreign drivers have impacted American workers’ earning potential and created additional risks on our roads,” Rubio said in a press briefing. “Effective immediately, we are suspending visa issuance for commercial truck drivers to prioritize domestic employment and road safety.”
The measure affects applicants seeking entry into the United States to work in long-haul and commercial trucking positions. Industry observers note that the U.S. has experienced a surge in demand for truck drivers over the past decade, but domestic drivers have expressed concerns about wage suppression and employment competition from foreign workers.
Transportation industry advocates are calling on Congress and the Department of Labor to address the workforce imbalance, citing a shortage of qualified domestic drivers in many regions. Critics of the visa suspension argue that it could exacerbate supply chain challenges, particularly at ports and major distribution hubs, where foreign truck drivers have traditionally filled labor gaps.
Nonetheless, the government maintains that the suspension is in the interest of U.S. citizens, ensuring both economic and public safety priorities are met. “This step is about protecting American jobs and reducing preventable risks on highways,” Rubio added.
The decision also coincides with a broader political push to reinforce domestic employment policies and address worker safety in essential industries. Analysts predict that the temporary halt on foreign truck driver visas may trigger discussions about long-term reforms in labor allocation, training programs, and road safety protocols.
Industry stakeholders are advised to closely monitor official announcements for guidance on pending visa applications and operational adjustments. Meanwhile, domestic drivers and labor unions have welcomed the decision as a positive step toward securing employment opportunities and improving safety standards across U.S. highways.
