WASHINGTON: The United States has stepped up its crackdown on commercial truck drivers who lack English proficiency.
The Department of Transportation said it will block federal funding to California, Washington, and New Mexico. These states must enforce mandatory English language standards for truck drivers.
President Donald Trump’s administration has taken a hard stance on foreign drivers. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate stop to all work visas for commercial truck drivers.
In April, President Trump signed an executive order. It directed authorities to enforce English proficiency rules nationwide.
Federal officials said over 3,000 truck drivers failed roadside English tests in the past two months. Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, Iowa, and Arizona reported the highest numbers. Texas alone removed nearly 350 drivers.
The issue escalated after a deadly crash on August 12 in Florida. Har Jinder Singh, a licensed driver from California, allegedly made an illegal U-turn. He hit a minivan, killing three people.
Singh later failed the roadside English test. Authorities called him an undocumented immigrant and said he should not have received a license.