Trump's Trucker Order Targets Immigrants and Deepens the Labor Crisis

The trucking industry, a vital artery of America's economy, is struggling to keep pace. With nearly 79,000 fewer drivers than needed, companies like Amazon and FedEx face relentless pressure to deliver goods on time. Yet, a new executive order from President Trump, signed in April 2025, threatens to tighten the squeeze. By enforcing strict English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, the policy risks sidelining thousands of qualified workers, deepening the labor crisis and jeopardizing safety under the guise of protecting it.

This isn't just a policy misstep; it's a blow to an industry already on its knees. Truck drivers endure grueling hours, stagnant wages, and a lack of basic protections, yet they keep the nation moving. The order, which mandates that non-English-proficient drivers be placed out of service, ignores the real-world complexities of a diverse workforce. It assumes a one-size-fits-all solution to safety, when what we need is investment in training, fair pay, and conditions that attract and retain drivers, not push them away.

For those new to the issue, consider this: trucking isn't just about moving boxes from point A to point B. It's about people, often immigrants or non-native speakers, who take on demanding jobs to support their families. Policies that alienate these workers don't just hurt them; they ripple through supply chains, raise costs for businesses, and ultimately hit consumers. The executive order, framed as a safety measure, feels more like a political statement, one that prioritizes optics over practical solutions.

What's worse, this move comes at a time when the industry is finally seeing glimmers of hope. Freight rates are rising, and drivers have more leverage to demand better pay. But instead of building on this momentum, the administration is throwing up barriers. It's a baffling choice, and one that demands a closer look at whose interests are really being served.

The driver shortage isn't a new problem, but it's a stubborn one. Since 2020, over 180,000 drivers have been sidelined by the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, a necessary safety measure but one that shrank the workforce. Add to that an aging driver population, with retirements outpacing new hires, and it's clear the industry needs more support, not more restrictions. The unemployment rate in trucking hovers around 4%, yet job openings remain sky-high at 4.5%. Companies are desperate, but the answer isn't to exclude workers based on language skills.

Advocates for fair labor practices have long pushed for solutions that actually work. Bipartisan efforts, like the Trucking Workforce Modernization Act, propose tax credits for new and current drivers, alongside expanded training programs. These initiatives aim to bring in younger workers and underrepresented groups, including immigrants who often face barriers to entry. But the new executive order undermines these efforts, sending a message that only certain drivers are welcome, regardless of their qualifications or dedication.

Safety is a legitimate concern, no question. Drivers must communicate effectively to navigate roads and regulations. But proficiency doesn't mean fluency, and the order's blanket approach ignores nuance. Training programs, language support, and technology like translation tools can bridge gaps without banning workers outright. By contrast, the policy's out-of-service mandates feel punitive, targeting non-native speakers in a way that reeks of exclusion rather than problem-solving.

Then there's the economic fallout. Trucking companies already face rising costs from stricter emissions standards and mandates for Automatic Emergency Braking systems, which promise to save lives but require hefty investments. Adding language-based restrictions on top of these burdens stretches resources thin. Small businesses, in particular, can't afford to lose drivers or spend more on compliance. The result? Higher prices for goods, delays in deliveries, and a supply chain that's less resilient, not more.

Some argue the executive order is about protecting American jobs and ensuring safety, a stance often tied to prioritizing native-born workers. But this view misses the mark. The trucking workforce has always been diverse, and immigrants have long been its backbone. Shutting them out doesn't create jobs; it creates chaos. The industry needs more drivers, not fewer, and policies should focus on uplifting everyone who keeps the wheels turning, regardless of their accent.

What does a better approach look like? Start with fair wages and benefits. Drivers face wage theft, unpaid wait times, and no overtime pay, issues that fuel turnover rates as high as 90% for long-haul jobs. Strengthening labor protections, like enforcing minimum wage laws and supporting unionization, would make trucking a career worth pursuing. Pair that with comprehensive training, including language support for non-native speakers, and you build a workforce that's skilled, safe, and stable.

Environmental and safety regulations also matter, but they need to come with support. The EPA's push for zero-emission trucks by 2040 is ambitious, but without subsidies or incentives, it risks bankrupting small fleets. Similarly, safety measures like speed limiters and ELD rules are vital, but they shouldn't come at the expense of drivers' livelihoods. A balanced approach, one that invests in workers and technology while easing compliance costs, would strengthen the industry without alienating its workforce.

The executive order on English proficiency is a step backward, a policy that deepens division and distracts from the real challenges facing trucking. America's supply chain depends on drivers who are supported, not sidelined. By doubling down on exclusion, the administration risks higher costs, slower deliveries, and a weaker economy, all while claiming to champion safety.

We deserve better. Policymakers must prioritize workers, investing in training, fair pay, and conditions that make trucking a viable career. Only then can we address the driver shortage, strengthen supply chains, and build an industry that serves everyone. The highway to progress is open, but it starts with putting people first.