A new rule from the US department of transportation is set to affect about 200,000 immigrant truck drivers, as their commercial driver’s licences will begin to lapse without renewal under the new policy, which took effect on Monday. The change raised concern in the trucking industry and legal challenges from immigrant drivers and advocacy groups.Under the rule, immigrants who are asylum seekers, refugees or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will no longer be able to obtain commercial driver’s licences (CDLs) or renew existing ones once their licences expire. The licences will not be cancelled immediately, but holders face losing their driving rights when their current licences run out.The trucking sector is vital to the United States economy, moving more than 70 per cent of freight such as food, machinery and hazardous materials around the country. The industry already faces challenges including rising energy costs, high turnover and supply chain pressures. Critics warn that removing so many drivers from the roads could reduce the available workforce and drive up transport costs for companies and consumers.Some drivers have launched legal action to block the policy. Supporters of the rule, including transport secretary Sean Duffy, say it will improve road safety by tightening licensing standards for drivers who have not previously had their credentials properly vetted. Opponents argue that the policy unfairly singles out immigrants without evidence that they are less safe drivers. Truckers of all backgrounds must still complete driving school and pass the same tests to qualify for a licence.In some states, the fight over licences continues. In California, a court tentatively ruled that more than 20,000 immigrant drivers should be allowed to keep their licences temporarily while legal battles proceed, even as the federal policy moves forward.The rule may not cause immediate driver shortages, but it could push companies to raise their rates and contribute to higher prices for goods.
