The US State Department has announced an immediate freeze on the issuance of work visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, a decision aimed at bolstering road safety and safeguarding American truckers’ livelihoods. The announcement was made on Thursday, 21 August 2025, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who framed the move as a necessary response to growing concerns about the increasing presence of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads.
“Effective immediately we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed that the freeze affects applicants for H-2B, E-2, and EB-3 visa categories. These visas are commonly used by foreign nationals seeking employment as commercial drivers, a sector that has grown increasingly reliant on international labor in recent years.
The decision follows a high-profile fatal crash in Florida earlier this month, which reportedly involved a non-US citizen who did not speak English. The incident raised serious questions about state compliance with federal rules governing commercial driver’s licences (CDLs) and prompted concerns about road safety. The State Department emphasized that the freeze is a precautionary measure to ensure all drivers on American roads meet the highest standards.
“Ensuring that every driver on our roads meets the highest standards is important to protecting the livelihoods of American truckers and maintaining a secure, resilient supply chain,” said a department spokesperson.
US State Department Freezes Work Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers Amid Safety Concerns
Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation launched investigations into several states suspected of violating federal regulations when issuing CDLs. The Trump administration had previously introduced stricter enforcement of English-language proficiency among truck drivers, citing safety concerns. In May 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rolled out new roadside inspection requirements, compelling drivers to communicate effectively in English during inspections.
The visa freeze has garnered support from major trucking industry groups. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing small business truckers, welcomed the move as a step toward protecting US truckers from unfair competition and reinforcing safety standards.
“American truckers have long expressed concerns about the growing influx of foreign drivers who may not meet US safety standards. This action sends a clear message that safety and fairness in the industry are non-negotiable,” the OOIDA statement read.
Similarly, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) highlighted the importance of maintaining safety protocols while balancing the industry’s labor needs. While welcoming the freeze, the ATA urged federal authorities to work closely with state licensing bodies to ensure that safety regulations are applied consistently across the country.
The move is expected to have immediate ripple effects across the US supply chain. Foreign truck drivers constitute a significant portion of the workforce in long-haul and regional freight operations, particularly in industries such as retail, agriculture, and manufacturing. Temporary disruption in visa issuance could lead to labor shortages, potentially affecting delivery schedules and logistical efficiency in the coming months.
Experts note that the freeze underscores a growing tension between labor market protection and operational efficiency. While proponents argue the measure is critical for maintaining road safety and protecting domestic jobs, critics warn that it could exacerbate existing truck driver shortages, increase transportation costs, and strain supply chains, especially during peak demand periods.
The visa suspension also raises questions about the legal framework governing the H-2B, E-2, and EB-3 visa categories. Immigration attorneys point out that affected applicants may face delays, with potential economic consequences for both workers and US businesses relying on foreign talent. There may also be calls for policy adjustments or emergency measures to mitigate labor disruptions while maintaining safety standards.
Secretary Rubio and the State Department have indicated that the freeze will remain in effect until a comprehensive review of safety protocols, state CDL compliance, and visa procedures is completed. Officials stressed that the decision is not intended to permanently restrict foreign labor but rather to ensure that only drivers meeting rigorous safety and language standards operate on American roads.
As the US trucking industry grapples with this sudden policy shift, stakeholders from federal authorities, industry groups, and labor representatives are closely monitoring developments. The visa freeze represents a high-stakes effort to balance safety, labor protection, and supply chain stability. For American truckers, it signals a government commitment to safeguarding their livelihoods, while foreign drivers and employers await clarity on the timeline and criteria for resuming visa applications.
Source- iHarare
