A new rule introduced by the administration of Donald Trump has come into force, preventing hundreds of thousands of immigrant truck drivers in the United States from renewing their commercial driving licences as they expire.
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The measure, implemented by the US Department of Transportation, affects an estimated 200,000 drivers, including asylum seekers, refugees and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). While existing licences remain valid until their expiry dates, those affected will be unable to renew them under the new regulation.
Industry concerns amid labour pressures
The rule is expected to add strain to the US trucking sector, which plays a central role in the country’s economy by transporting more than 70% of domestic freight.
The industry has long faced labour shortages due to demanding working conditions, including long hours, safety risks and extended time away from home. Immigrant drivers have increasingly filled these gaps in recent years.
With rising energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, analysts warn that a shrinking workforce could lead to higher operating costs, potentially pushing up prices for consumers.
Government data suggests immigrant drivers account for around 5% of all commercial licence holders nationwide.
Safety concerns drive policy shift
Officials say the new restrictions are aimed at improving road safety, following several high-profile accidents involving immigrant drivers last year.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the rule addresses longstanding concerns about vetting drivers’ histories outside the United States. He also argued that some drivers may have contributed to declining wages and standards within the industry.
The administration has taken additional steps in recent months, including stricter enforcement of English-language requirements and the revocation of accreditation for thousands of driver training centres that failed to meet federal standards.
There have also been warnings that federal funding could be withheld from states found to be improperly issuing commercial licences.
Legal challenges and criticism
Opponents of the policy have challenged its basis, arguing that there is no clear evidence linking immigration status to road safety.
Lawyers representing affected drivers say both citizens and non-citizens must meet the same testing and training requirements to obtain commercial licences, and accuse the government of discrimination.
A lawsuit has been filed seeking to overturn the rule, with plaintiffs arguing that it unfairly targets legally authorised workers.
Personal impact on drivers
For many drivers, the rule carries significant personal and financial consequences.
One driver, an asylum seeker from Russia who has worked in long-haul trucking since 2020, said he will lose his licence later this year despite maintaining a clean driving record.
He described the measure as devastating, explaining that he had built a small trucking business and taken on substantial loans to support his family.
The administration has indicated it may pursue further legislative action, with allies in Congress proposing even stricter measures that would immediately revoke licences for affected groups. However, those proposals have yet to be voted on.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 March 2026