Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy doubled down on the Trump administration’s order to crack down on English proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers, responding to a local news report in California about an Indian citizen who has been banned from trucking under stricter Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. The incident has sparked a broader debate over the implications of language requirements for non-citizens and the safety of American roads.
Duffy was responding to a report in California about an Indian citizen who drove a truck for a living but has since been banned due to new rules that restrict who is eligible for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The Department of Transportation (DOT) singled out California for what it called ‘gross negligence,’ saying more than 25% of CDLs issued to noncitizens or non-permanent residents were improperly granted. This has led to an investigation into the agency’s oversight and potential accountability for such lapses in policy enforcement.
The truck driver featured in the report spoke to a reporter in his native language, not English, which has drawn significant attention. Duffy’s reaction to the case included a sharp critique, stating, ‘Crocodile tears for a man who has spent a decade in our country but couldn’t be bothered to learn our language.’ He added, ‘Our new rules will keep you and your family SAFE on America’s roads!’ The sentiment underscores a conservative viewpoint that linguistic proficiency is a key requirement for individuals working in critical roles like commercial truck driving.
Alongside this case, the DOT issued a statement reinforcing its position on the issue. ‘This driver has been in the U.S. for TEN YEARS and does not know enough English to qualify for a trucking license,’ the agency wrote. ‘This is exactly why @SecDuffy ordered @FMCSA to crack down on English proficiency standards.’ The statement reflects not only the agency’s stance but also aligns with the broader political narrative of the Trump administration, which has long emphasized immigration control and national sovereignty.
Support for the policy is also fueled by concerns over public safety, as demonstrated by a recent incident in Florida. An illegal immigrant truck driver allegedly caused a deadly crash, resulting in the deaths of three people, after making an illegal U-turn. The incident drew sharp scrutiny after the DOT highlighted his limited English proficiency. Singh, the driver, passed only two of 12 verbal questions in an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment and correctly identified just one of four highway traffic signs, according to the agency.