Florida Crash by Indian Driver Sparks US Work Visa Suspension for Truckers
- Posted on August 23, 2025
- International News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 79 Views
A Florida crash involving Indian driver Harjinder Singh, accused of unlawful driving and residing illegally in the US, has prompted suspension of work visas for truckers. Singh faces homicide charges, while the move, championed by Trump officials, affects limited visa categories but fuels political clashes between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom.
A fatal crash in Florida involving Harjinder Singh, an Indian national accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people, has led the Trump administration to suspend work visas for commercial truck drivers. Singh, later found to be residing illegally in the US, held a California-issued truck licence obtained through a federal permit.
The August 12 collision on the Florida Turnpike saw a minivan strike Singh’s trailer. While Singh and his passenger escaped injury, three others lost their lives. Homeland Security confirmed Singh’s unlawful immigration status, triggering political fallout between Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins personally escorted Singh from California to Florida after his arrest, accusing Newsom’s policies of enabling the tragedy. Singh now faces three counts of vehicular homicide in addition to immigration offences.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate pause of trucker-related visas, claiming foreign drivers were endangering American lives and undercutting US workers, though he provided no supporting data. The suspension affects three visa categories, including the H-2B for temporary workers.
Experts noted that the impact would be limited, as only around 1,500 truck driver visas were issued this fiscal year out of 3.5 million drivers nationwide. Still, critics warned the move could worsen America’s chronic driver shortage.
Also Read: Who is Cindy Singh? Texas Woman Arrested After Fleeing to India Following Son’s Alleged Murder
The case has become a flashpoint in immigration and labour policy, intertwining public safety concerns with partisan rivalry, as both DeSantis and Newsom are seen as potential presidential contenders.
