Trump Administration Moves to Bar Certain Immigrants from Driving Commercial Trucks

Department of Transportation claims the rule will make highways safer

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new set of regulations that would restrict the ability of some non‑citizen drivers to obtain commercial truck licenses. The agency says the policy is intended to improve road safety by limiting who can operate large‑cargo vehicles on American highways.

Under the proposed rule, applicants who are not permanent residents would face additional hurdles, including more stringent background checks and higher testing standards before they can be granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for trucks.

Critics, however, argue that the measure is unfounded. No empirical data has been presented to demonstrate that immigrant drivers are more likely to be involved in truck accidents than U.S. citizens. Advocacy groups and industry experts warn that the policy could create labor shortages in a sector already struggling to find qualified drivers.

“Targeting a specific group without evidence is counterproductive,” said one transportation analyst. “If the goal is safety, the DOT should focus on measurable risk factors, not on immigration status.”

The administration says the rule will undergo a public comment period before any final action is taken. In the meantime, stakeholders are preparing legal challenges, asserting that the proposal may violate anti‑discrimination laws.