Former New York Giants safety and human rights advocate Jack Brewer, known for his work with reformed ex-convicts and his efforts to support families and communities in need, has taken a firm stance in support of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent decision to halt the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Brewer, a leader of the Jack Brewer Foundation, has long been an advocate for the reintegration of ex-offenders into society, emphasizing the critical role that stable employment plays in their rehabilitation. He argues that the recent move by Rubio addresses a pressing issue that has long been overlooked: the challenge of providing meaningful job opportunities to American citizens, particularly those with criminal records.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Brewer highlighted the difficulties reformed ex-convicts face when trying to reintegrate into society, noting that finding a good-paying job is often one of the biggest obstacles they encounter. He emphasized that Rubio’s decision to pause visa issuance for commercial truck drivers marks a significant and needed step towards addressing these challenges. This pause, he explained, is a crucial measure that not only enhances safety on the roads but also opens up opportunities for American citizens who are eager and ready to work. The recent crash on Florida’s Turnpike, which allegedly involved an illegal immigrant trucker, served as a catalyst for this action, underlining the risks associated with allowing foreign nationals to fill these critical roles.
The decision by Rubio has also sparked discussions about the broader implications for the trucking industry and the need to prioritize American workers. Brewer has called for a comprehensive review of visa programs that allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to work, arguing that these programs must be re-evaluated to ensure they do not undermine the livelihoods of American truckers. His comments were echoed by others in the industry, including Todd Spencer, the president of the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), who noted that the misuse of visa programs has contributed to a perception of a truck driver shortage, a myth he believes is being perpetuated by the influx of non-domiciled CDL holders.
Brewer also emphasized the broader impact of the decision, suggesting that it could serve as a model for other industries to follow. He argued that there is a need to take the shackles off people who pay taxes and hold citizenship before seeking foreign nationals to fill job vacancies. This sentiment has been supported by other state officials, including Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier, whose recent announcement about implementing immigration checks at weigh stations has been seen as a step towards aligning with these priorities.