Donald Trump administration revokes over 28,000 immigrant trucking licences, launches veteran hiring drive; Indian drivers may be affected
The Donald Trump administration has cancelled the commercial driver’s licences (CDLs) of more than 28,000 immigrant truck drivers as part of a broader crackdown on non-citizen drivers, while simultaneously launching a new initiative to replace them with US military veterans.The move is expected to have a significant impact on immigrant truckers, including thousands of Indians from Punjab and Haryana, who make up a sizeable portion of the US trucking workforce.
Over 28,000 immigrant truckers lose commercial licences
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that the administration had revoked thousands of commercial trucking licences held by immigrants.According to a statement released by the administration, the CDLs of approximately 24,000 non-citizens were cancelled because they allegedly failed to meet English language proficiency requirements needed to safely operate commercial vehicles.The administration also said it had worked with states to shut down 9,500 driving schools that it claimed helped non-citizens obtain commercial licences despite failing to meet federal standards.Officials described the move as part of President Donald Trump‘s broader effort to strengthen highway safety and tighten enforcement of commercial driving regulations.
Indian truck drivers could feel the impact
The decision is expected to affect the Indian-origin trucking community in the United States.According to data from the North American Punjabi Truckers Association, cited by The Indian Express, nearly 130,000 to 150,000 truck drivers in the US come directly from Punjab and Haryana.Industry observers believe the revocation of licences could leave the US trucking sector short of nearly 30,000 drivers, potentially disrupting freight movement and supply chains.
New veteran hiring programme launched
To address the expected shortage, the Trump administration has launched the Freedom Haulers campaign, aimed at encouraging military veterans to enter the trucking industry.According to the Associated Press, the initiative allows veterans who previously operated large military vehicles to skip the commercial driving skills test required to obtain a CDL, enabling them to enter the workforce more quickly.President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling officially launched the initiative at the White House last week alongside military veterans.
English language rules tightened after fatal crash
The administration’s crackdown intensified following a fatal crash in Florida in August 2025, when a truck driver allegedly made an illegal U-turn, killing three people.Following the incident, the US Department of Transportation began strictly enforcing existing federal English language requirements for commercial truck drivers.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the driver involved in the crash, who was from India, should never have received a commercial driver’s licence.Since then, officials say 26,000 truck drivers have been removed from service after failing to demonstrate adequate English proficiency.The federal government has also attempted to withhold millions of dollars in highway funding from California and New York, alleging the states failed to revoke additional non-compliant licences. The matter is currently before a court.Several other states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota and North Carolina, have also been warned they could face funding cuts if they fail to comply with federal requirements.
Trump administration says veterans are the right fit
The US Department of Transportation said the new initiative builds on the administration’s efforts to improve road safety while creating employment opportunities for former service members.“The initiative builds on President Trump’s efforts to clean up America’s roadways, crack down on dangerous foreign drivers, and support American truckers,” the department said in a statement.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the policy, saying, “Illegal immigrants who can’t speak our language have no business getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Veterans, who have already demonstrated the grit, discipline and skills to take on this vital task, are the right people for the job.”He added that the programme would help military veterans obtain commercial licences faster and “start making real money in record time.”
