Trump Administration Pauses Work Visas for Commercial Truck Drivers

Secretary of State Marco Rubio 

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) recognizes the seriousness of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to pause the issuance of worker visas for commercial drivers, announced in the wake of the recent Florida crash that claimed three lives. This tragic incident—caused by a driver who was unlawfully present in the United States and improperly credentialed—highlights systemic failures in both state licensing practices and federal enforcement.

While immigration policy decisions rest outside CVTA’s scope, our concern remains ensuring that every individual operating a commercial motor vehicle is legally eligible, English-proficient, and properly trained. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is not simply a credential; it is a license to operate a 40-ton vehicle on America’s highways, and it must only be issued to those who meet the highest training and safety standards.

CVTA schools follow the rules, uphold federal training standards, and prepare safe, professional drivers for America’s highways. But as long as bad actors remain on the Training Provider Registry, they will continue to cut corners, put unqualified drivers on the road, and endanger lives. CVTA has long urged FMCSA to strengthen enforcement and remove these non-compliant providers so that the integrity of CDL training is protected and the public can have confidence in those who hold a commercial driver’s license.

In recent days, the Department of Transportation and FMCSA have confirmed troubling gaps in state enforcement, including irregular CDL issuances in Washington and California, failures to apply English proficiency requirements, and lapses in roadside enforcement. CVTA commends Secretary Duffy for launching a nationwide audit into non-domiciled CDL issuance and for directing FMCSA to hold states accountable. These actions, coupled with stronger enforcement of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, are critical to restoring public confidence.

CVTA and its members—who collectively train more than 100,000 entry-level drivers annually—urge Congress to swiftly confirm FMCSA Administrator-nominee Chief Derek Barrs, whose law enforcement experience will be vital in accelerating the removal of non-compliant training providers from the Training Provider Registry and ensuring uniform enforcement nationwide. From Secretary of State Marco Rubio Statement: “Effective immediately, the Department of State will pause the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The rising number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailers on America’s highways poses a threat to public safety and undermines the livelihoods of American truckers. This step is necessary to protect American families and restore confidence in the integrity of our transportation system.”

From CVTA Chairman Danny Bradford: “CVTA commends Secretary Duffy for initiating an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the horrific accident in Florida. To remedy this issue nationwide, CVTA and its national membership urge the Secretary to empower FMCSA to accelerate the removal of bad actors from the Training Provider Registry. At the same time, CVTA urges the Senate to rapidly confirm FMCSA Administrator-nominee Chief Derek Barrs, who will bring an extensive law enforcement background to the agency’s activities.”