Table of Contents
- Background: The English Proficiency Rule
- Impact on Indian-Origin and Sikh Truckers
- Safety Concerns and Legal Debate
- Reactions and What’s Next
Background: The English Proficiency Rule
The US bars 7,000 truckers for failing English tests policy has become one of the most controversial developments in the American transport industry this year. As per Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, more than 7,248 drivers have been taken out of service in 2025 for failing to meet the English proficiency standards mandated by federal law. The rule, cited under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), requires all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to demonstrate the ability to read and speak English well enough to interact with the public, interpret road signs, and communicate effectively with law enforcement.
This crackdown marks a sharp departure from the 2016 Obama-era policy that had previously limited language-based enforcement actions. The rule’s reinstatement came through a Trump administration executive order in early 2025, which reintroduced English testing as a condition for continued service.
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According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of English-related out-of-service violations has risen from about 1,500 in July to over 7,000 by October. Federal officials claim the measure is intended to enhance road safety and reduce accidents involving language barriers.
Impact on Indian-Origin and Sikh Truckers
The new enforcement policy has hit the Indian and Indian-origin community particularly hard. Industry estimates suggest that over 130,000 to 150,000 truck drivers from Punjab and Haryana are currently working in the United States, according to the North American Punjabi Truckers Association. Nearly 90 percent of Sikh immigrants in the sector are employed as drivers, making them one of the most affected groups US Bars.
Thousands of these drivers have been removed from service, causing widespread economic distress among South Asian trucking families. In interviews with The New Indian Express, community leaders described the measure as discriminatory and out of touch with the linguistic diversity of the American workforce US Bars.
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A trucker from California’s Central Valley, speaking anonymously, said, “We drive thousands of miles safely every month. We know the signs and the rules. But just because our English isn’t fast enough during inspections, we’re being treated like criminals.” His sentiment reflects a growing sense of alienation among Sikh and Indian-origin truckers who feel unfairly targeted.
Safety Concerns and Legal Debate
Supporters of the rule argue it is a necessary step for safety. Several high-profile accidents in 2025 US Bars, including a deadly pileup in California and a crash on Florida’s Turnpike involving Indian-origin drivers, have put the spotlight on communication lapses. one of the drivers involved had failed multiple CDL tests before obtaining a California license.
Transportation Secretary Duffy defended the move, stating, “Commercial truck drivers must speak and understand English to operate—or they will be taken out of service.” He cited a growing number of fatal highway incidents and emphasized that comprehension during roadside checks is crucial for national safety.
However, industry groups have called the approach excessive. “It’s not a safety issue—it’s a communication style issue,” said Adalberto Campero, CEO of the Texas-based logistics company Unimex. “Drivers who’ve been safely operating for years are now losing their livelihoods because they can’t respond in English fast enough at a stop.”
Legal scholars and labor unions have questioned whether the rule violates equal employment provisions or the rights of non-native speakers. Advocacy groups like The Sikh Coalition argue the measure disproportionately targets immigrant workers. In a statement, the group said, “This change is not based on drivers’ English proficiency but rather an effort to remove 194,000 non-domiciled CDL holders from the workforce.”
Reactions and What’s Next
The controversy surrounding the US bars 7,000 truckers for failing English tests policy continues to grow. While safety advocates support the rule as a step toward uniform standards, civil rights groups call it xenophobic and discriminatory. Social media campaigns like #TruckersSpeakToo have emerged, highlighting the personal stories of affected drivers and families.
Industry observers warn that the crackdown could exacerbate the existing driver shortage in the United States, which the American Trucking Associations estimates at over 80,000 unfilled positions. With a significant share of that workforce made up of immigrants, stricter enforcement could disrupt freight operations and supply chains across the country.
Experts are calling for a balanced approach. Transportation policy researcher Lisa Morales noted, “It’s essential to maintain safety standards, but the government should also recognize linguistic diversity. Language support programs and fair testing could prevent discrimination while ensuring communication readiness.”
For Indian-origin drivers, the issue goes beyond compliance—it’s about dignity and recognition. As one trucker in New Jersey put it, “We deliver America’s goods, work hard, and pay taxes. The system should help us improve, not push us out.”
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As the debate intensifies, the Department of Transportation faces mounting pressure to clarify how it will implement the rule fairly. Whether the administration adjusts its stance or continues the current trajectory will determine the future of thousands of immigrant families driving the backbone of America’s logistics network.
Related Reads
- Indian Diaspora Faces Challenges in US Employment Sectors
- Language Rule Raises Concerns in Trucking Industry
By The News Update — Updated November 4, 2025
