In a major policy shift, the US has halted work visas and commercial driving licenses (CDLs) for foreign truck drivers, jeopardizing the prospects of thousands of Indians, particularly from Punjab and Haryana.

The ban impacts both aspiring migrants and current drivers awaiting renewals, raising fears of widespread disruption. Trucking has long been a lucrative profession for Indians in the US, with average annual salaries around ₹40 lakh and top firms offering up to ₹92 lakh.

With foreign-born drivers making up 18% of the US trucking workforce, industry experts warn of significant consequences if the ban continues.