U.S. Suspends Work Visas For Nigerian And Foreign Truck Drivers, Citing Job Security And Safety Concerns.
The United States government has announced an immediate suspension of work visas for Nigerian and other foreign truck drivers, a decision driven by concerns over job security for American workers and safety risks on U.S. highways. The policy, effective as of 21 August 2025, was confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the move aims to protect American livelihoods and address growing safety issues.
Rubio, in a statement released on Thursday, highlighted the increasing presence of foreign truck drivers as a threat to both economic stability and public safety. “Effective immediately, we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers,” he declared. “The rising number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.” The decision follows a series of high-profile incidents, including a fatal crash in Florida involving a non-citizen driver, which sparked widespread debate about immigration and road safety.
The suspension is part of a broader immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration, which resumed office in January 2025. The U.S. State Department clarified that the pause applies to all nationalities and is not specifically targeted at Nigeria. It will allow authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of screening and vetting protocols for visa applicants seeking to work as commercial truck drivers. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has expressed support for the decision, with President and CEO Chris Spear stating that it aligns with calls for stricter enforcement of driver training standards and better oversight of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licences (CDLs).
The move comes at a time when the U.S. faces a reported shortage of approximately 60,000 truck drivers, according to ATA estimates. Critics argue that halting work visas could exacerbate supply chain challenges, given that foreign-born drivers, including those from Nigeria, Latin America, and India, constitute around 18% of the industry. However, U.S. officials maintain that prioritising American workers and ensuring rigorous safety standards outweigh these concerns.
As part of tightened immigration measures, the U.S. has introduced additional requirements for visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates, including Nigeria. These include a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to deter non-compliance and a mandate to disclose five years of social media history. Failure to provide accurate details could result in visa denials or future ineligibility, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has warned.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions. Some American trucking groups have welcomed the focus on local job protection, while others warn of potential disruptions to logistics networks. In Nigeria, the decision has raised concerns among aspiring migrant workers, many of whom view truck driving in the U.S. as a viable path to economic opportunity. The suspension’s duration remains unclear, with Rubio indicating that it will persist pending the outcome of the ongoing review.
This development underscores the delicate balance between economic needs and national priorities, as the U.S. navigates its immigration policies amidst domestic and global pressures.
