200,000 immigrant truck drivers in jeopardy as Trump's rule to cancel licenses takes effect
Critics warn that removing so many drivers from the roads could reduce the available workforce and increase transport costs for companies and consumers.
A new rule from the United States Department of Transportation is set to affect about 200,000 immigrant truck drivers, as their commercial driver's licences will begin to lapse without renewal under the new policy, which took effect on Monday.
The change raised concern in the trucking industry and legal challenges from immigrant drivers and advocacy groups, reports Times of India.
Under the rule, immigrants who are asylum seekers, refugees or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals will no longer be able to obtain commercial driver's licences or renew existing ones once their licences expire.
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The licences will not be cancelled immediately, however, holders face losing their driving rights when their current licences run out.
The trucking sector is vital to the US economy, moving more than 70% of freight such as food, machinery and hazardous materials around the country. The industry already faces challenges including rising energy costs, high turnover and supply chain pressures.
Critics warn that removing so many drivers from the roads could reduce the available workforce and increase transport costs for companies and consumers. Some drivers have launched legal action to block the policy.
