Punjab-origin driver’s fatal crash prompts US to halt trucker visas

The United States has stopped issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, a move that could significantly impact Indian drivers who were hoping to work in the US transportation industry.

The order comes on the heels a tragic accident on Florida’s Turnpike on Saturday that claimed lives of three people after a semi-truck driver of Punjab-origin made an illegal U-turn, causing a devastating collision with a passenger van.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the change on Thursday, saying it takes effect immediately.

The decision affects all nationalities, not targeting any specific country, but will pause the visa process while the US conducts a review of the qualifications and screening procedures for foreign truck drivers.

"The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers," Rubio said on social media.

In a written answer to a question from the Associated Press, the State Department said all US visa holders, which can include tourists from many countries, are subject to "continuous vetting," with an eye toward any indication they could be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States.

This decision comes despite a shortage of more than 60,000 truck drivers in the US, according to the American Trucking Association, reports cbsnews.

Indian drivers, who have been among those filling labour gaps in the US logistics sector, may now find it much harder to get a US work visa in the trucking industry.

The US government said the review aims to ensure that drivers meet high safety standards, including the inability to speak and read English, which officials say is critical to preventing road accidents.

What this means for Indian drivers:

New US work visas for trucking jobs are temporarily halted. Indians applying for such jobs will likely face delays or rejections.

Even approved drivers may be re-evaluated. The US says it is conducting continuous vetting of more than 55 million current visa holders, and violations could lead to visa revocation and deportation.

No country is being singled out, but Indian drivers would be equally affected, especially those with pending applications or plans to apply soon.

This development adds uncertainty for thousands of Indian drivers who viewed the US as a promising destination for higher earnings and stable employment.