August 22,2025
RED FM News Desk
The U.S. has stopped issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday, saying the policy takes effect immediately.
Rubio wrote on X that the growing number of foreign truck drivers operating large tractor-trailers in the U.S. is “putting American lives at risk and hurting American truckers’ livelihoods.”
A State Department spokesperson later explained that the pause is intended to allow a full review of the screening and vetting process used to determine whether applicants qualify for U.S. visas. They emphasized that the measure applies to all nationalities and is not aimed at any specific country.
The Trump administration has recently been pushing to enforce rules requiring truckers to read and speak English, citing road safety concerns after fatal accidents linked to language barriers. The spokesperson added that foreign drivers can pose risks to public safety, national security, and supply chain stability, making high standards essential.
The decision comes as the U.S. faces a shortage of about 60,000 commercial truck drivers, according to the American Trucking Association (ATA). Despite the shortage, the ATA expressed support for the move, saying visa programs for truck drivers need stricter oversight and stronger training requirements.
Separately, the administration said it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million current U.S. visa holders for potential violations that could lead to revocation or deportation. The State Department confirmed that all visa holders are subject to continuous monitoring, and any new information showing they may be ineligible could result in removal from the country.
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