Florida Truck Crash Prompts U.S. Visa Freeze for Foreign Drivers

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A recent tragic incident on Florida’s Turnpike has led to immediate U.S. policy changes affecting foreign truck drivers.

On August 12, 2025, Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old truck driver of Indian origin, made an illegal U-turn while operating a semi-truck, causing a collision that killed three people in a minivan. Singh, who entered the United States unlawfully in 2018, held a commercial driver’s license issued in California, one of the states that grants licenses regardless of immigration status.

In response to the crash, U.S. authorities announced the suspension of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The decision cited safety concerns on American roads and the need to protect domestic jobs from foreign competition. Officials emphasized that stricter vetting processes and English proficiency requirements for foreign drivers are being reinforced to prevent similar tragedies.

Singh faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and immigration violations. He has been denied bond and is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while awaiting the outcome of his criminal proceedings.

The policy change has sparked widespread concern, particularly among communities with significant participation in the U.S. trucking industry. In Punjab, India, leaders from both ruling and opposition parties have expressed worry about the livelihoods of approximately 150,000 Punjabi drivers currently working in the United States. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora of the Aam Aadmi Party urged the Indian government to seek leniency for affected drivers, highlighting the economic impact of the visa suspension.

Industry experts note that the U.S. trucking sector already faces a severe shortage of drivers. While safety remains a priority, the suspension of foreign worker visas could exacerbate supply chain challenges and impact the transportation of goods across the country. Some advocates argue for enhanced training and oversight of foreign drivers rather than broad visa restrictions, while others support the government’s decision as a necessary measure to ensure road safety.

The Florida crash has ignited a broader debate on balancing road safety, immigration policy, and economic needs. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of traffic violations and the ripple effects they can have on international labor policies. Authorities in the U.S. and abroad are closely monitoring the situation as legal proceedings continue and visa policies are reassessed.