Florida Crash Triggers Visa Pause for Commercial Drivers: Marco Rubio’s Response
In a significant move addressing public safety, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that he will immediately halt the issuance of worker visas for commercial drivers. This decision follows a tragic incident involving an illegal immigrant truck driver, Harjinder Singh, who is accused of causing a crash that claimed three lives in Florida.
Rubio expressed his concerns on X, highlighting the growing risks posed by foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on American roads. "The increasing number of foreign drivers is endangering American lives and undermining the livelihoods of our truckers," he stated.
The Incident That Sparked Action
The controversy surrounding foreign commercial drivers intensified after Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from India, was involved in a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce. Singh allegedly attempted an unauthorized U-turn, leading to a jackknife of his trailer that collided with a minivan, resulting in the deaths of all three passengers inside.
Investigations revealed troubling details about Singh’s licensing. Despite failing English and road tests, he was granted a full-term commercial driver’s license in Washington in July 2023, even though he was not legally eligible. Additionally, he received a limited-term commercial driver’s license in California in 2024.
Political Tensions and Accountability
The situation has sparked a heated exchange between California Governor Gavin Newsom and officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Newsom’s office asserted that Singh obtained a work permit during Donald Trump’s presidency. In response, Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, clarified that Singh was denied a permit in September 2020 under Trump but later received one in June 2021 during the Biden administration.
As the investigation continues, Singh has been extradited from California to Florida, where he faces three counts of vehicular homicide.
Conclusion
Marco Rubio’s decision to pause the issuance of worker visas for commercial drivers underscores the urgent need to prioritize public safety on American roads. This incident raises important questions about immigration policy, public safety, and the integrity of the licensing process for commercial drivers. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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