The United States has suspended the issuance of work visas for commercial truck drivers from Nigeria and other countries, citing road safety concerns and threats to American jobs.
The policy which took effect immediately, was confirmed on Thursday, August 21, by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Rubio explained that the increasing number of foreign truck drivers entering the American transportation sector has raised safety risks while also undermining the livelihoods of U.S. truckers.
“Effective immediately, we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers,” Rubio announced.
“Foreign drivers operating large trucks on American roads endanger lives and threaten U.S. jobs.”
According to the State Department, the suspension allows U.S. authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of screening and vetting protocols for commercial truck drivers seeking visas.
Officials emphasized that the new policy applies to all nationalities and is not targeted at Nigeria or any specific country.
The move comes after recent fatal road accidents in which drivers with limited English proficiency reportedly played a role.
The Transportation Department said the enforcement of stricter rules including English reading and speaking skills is meant to improve road safety.
A State Department spokesperson added:
“Foreign truckers can pose risks to American lives, national security, and foreign policy interests. Ensuring every driver meets the highest standards is critical for protecting U.S. truckers and the supply chain.”
The American Trucking Association (ATA), one of the country’s leading industry groups, welcomed the decision.
The group stressed that visa approvals for truck drivers require closer scrutiny and stronger enforcement of entry-level driver training standards.
Ironically, the decision comes as the U.S. faces a shortage of over 60,000 truck drivers, according to ATA estimates.
The suspension could further affect logistics and supply chains already under pressure.
In a related announcement, the Trump administration revealed that it is reviewing the records of over 55 million U.S. visa holders to detect violations that could result in deportation.
Officials confirmed that all visa holders, including tourists and students, are subject to continuous vetting.
If disqualifying information is discovered, their visas will be revoked, and those already in the country may face deportation.
Since taking office, President Trump has prioritized removing undocumented migrants and tightening immigration rules.
The latest move signals an expansion of those efforts, extending scrutiny even to legally approved visa holders who may now risk losing their status.