The decision follows a series of legal disputes over similar measures in the past.

US Immigration Latest News Today, Truckers on Radar: A major regulatory shift in the United States is poised to affect nearly 200,000 immigrant truck drivers, with many at risk of losing their ability to work as stricter licensing norms come into force.

The revised framework, introduced during the tenure of Donald Trump, limits the renewal of Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDLs) for several categories of non-citizens, including asylum seekers, refugees and individuals covered under DACA. While existing licences will remain valid until expiry, those affected may not be able to renew them under the updated rules.

The changes are being implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as part of a broader move to phase out so-called “non-domiciled” CDLs. Authorities have cited difficulties in verifying overseas driving histories and employment documentation as key reasons behind the tightening of regulations.

The decision follows a series of legal disputes over similar measures in the past. Earlier attempts to suspend such licences were partially halted by court intervention, but implementation varied widely across states. Some regions were slow to resume issuing permits, while others maintained restrictions.

Under the latest directive, the US Department of Transportation has instructed several states, including Illinois, California, New York and Pennsylvania, to pause issuing these licences pending further review. Only select visa holders—primarily those in temporary work categories—remain eligible, and even they must meet more stringent conditions.

Officials estimate that the policy could gradually reduce the number of eligible drivers by nearly 194,000, significantly impacting the immigrant share of the trucking workforce. Currently, foreign-born drivers make up a small but vital portion of the sector, which handles the bulk of freight movement across the country.

Industry analysts warn that the move could aggravate existing driver shortages, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions and higher transportation costs. At the same time, enforcement has intensified, with increased scrutiny of driving schools and stricter checks on language proficiency.

Driver associations have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the policy threatens livelihoods and disregards the contributions of long-serving workers. With legal challenges still underway, uncertainty continues to hang over thousands of drivers navigating the evolving regulatory landscape

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