Approx. 200,000 Non-U.S. Citizens to Be Removed from U.S. Freight Market After New Rules
The report noted that the final rule does not apply to commercial drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico...
A new rule in the United States restricting non-U.S. citizens from obtaining or renewing a Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL) has come into effect on March 16, according to a report by Business Standard.
According to the report, the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) could remove around 200,000 non-U.S. citizen drivers from the U.S. over the next two years.
“This will prevent unsafe foreign drivers from renewing their licence and hold states accountable to immediately invalidate improperly issued licences,” DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is quoted as saying.
The rule comes into effect after Duffy, during a September 26 press conference, stated that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) had identified at least five fatal accidents involving non-domiciled CDL holders so far in 2025, the report added.
As per the new rule, H-2A visa holders (seasonal agricultural workers), H-2B visa holders (seasonal non-agricultural workers), and E-2 visa holders (treaty investors) are eligible to obtain a Commercial Driver’s Licence (CDL).
Applicants, the report said, are required to present an ‘unexpired’ foreign passport along with a valid Form I-94 confirming eligible immigration status. Additionally, drivers must appear in person for every renewal. The rule also places extra verification responsibilities on states when issuing licences.
“With the new rule in place, the agency expects only around 6,000 non-domiciled CDLs to be issued going forward. The remaining 194,000 drivers are expected to leave the freight market gradually as they are unable to renew their licences,” the report noted.
The new rule also requires authorities to verify the English proficiency of drivers transferring licences from other states. There is also a provision for reassessing drivers who have previously not been able to meet language requirements.
The report, drawing a comparison between the earlier rules and the new regulations, and citing the U.S. Department of Transportation, said that earlier, states issued non-domiciled CDLs to certain foreign nationals based on documents such as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
“While US drivers are subject to strict checks through national databases for past violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or crash involvement, states lack the ability to access the driving records of foreigners and illegal immigrants,” the department is quoted as saying.
The department added that earlier rules allowed individuals with “dangerous driving histories to obtain a trucking licence simply by presenting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which does not screen for transportation safety”.
The report noted that the final rule does not apply to commercial drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico, stating that the U.S. recognises their licensing standards under reciprocity agreements.
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