“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” wrote Rubio.
[snip]
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “It is evident that the driver of the commercial semi-truck recklessly, and without regard for the safety of others, attempted to execute a U-turn utilizing an unauthorized location. As a result of his actions, the three occupants of the minivan are now deceased.”
Singh, who has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, reportedly stole into the country in 2018 and, despite getting fast-tracked for deportation by the first Trump administration, managed to stick around.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced on Tuesday that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched an investigation into the crash.
[snip]
While Singh was issued a speeding ticket by New Mexico State Police in July, the DOT indicated that there is no indication that an English language proficiency assessment was conducted, despite the requirement being in effect since June 25.
During his post-crash Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration interview, Singh flunked the ELP assessment, providing correct responses to only two of 12 verbal questions and only accurately identifying one of 4 highway traffic signs.
[snip]
‘The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads raises serious concerns for public safety.’
The transportation secretary vowed to use every tool at his disposal to hold the offending states and bad actors accountable, stressing that “the families of the deceased deserve justice.”
A DOT spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Blaze News that Duffy’s department has combined efforts with its partners in the Departments of Homeland Security and State Department “to kee p our roads safe.”
[snip]
While America’s roads fall under Duffy’s purview, Rubio has the ability to prevent foreign nationals from coming to the U.S. for the purpose of driving big rigs.
A State Department spokesperson told Blaze News that “detecting and preventing entry of individuals who pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety is critical to protecting Americans in our homeland.”
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads raises serious concerns for public safety and threatens the livelihoods of American truckers,” continued the spokesperson. “We are taking this action to protect American lives and safeguard U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.”
[snip]
The pause in visa processing applies to applicants of all nationalities who seek to operate commercial trucks in the H-2B, E-2, and EB-3 visa classifications.
Applicants who do not presently hold valid visas will undergo thorough vetting. Those who fail to make the cut will have their petitions returned to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or be denied a visa.
“The Department will take all necessary steps to protect public safety, including on America’s roads,” said the State Department spokesperson.
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* Original Article:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/rubio-takes-action-to-prevent-more-foreigners-from-endangering-american-lives-with-big-rigs