The United States has halted the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on 21 Aug. The freeze takes effect immediately and applies to new applications across all visa categories used by foreign truckers. Rubio said the measure was needed because a growing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailers on U.S. roads is “endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.” The action marks the first occupation-specific visa suspension by the Trump administration as it escalates restrictions on foreign labor. The decision follows a 12 Aug. crash on the Florida Turnpike in which an Indian national, Harjinder Singh, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, killing three people. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the incident, which authorities say involved a driver who lacked legal status and could not speak English. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing strict enforcement of long-standing English-proficiency rules for commercial drivers. FMCSA data show that foreign-born workers accounted for about 16 % of U.S. truck drivers in 2023. Industry groups have warned of persistent driver shortages, but the administration maintains that tightening qualifications and visa access is necessary to improve highway safety.