BREAKING NEWS: Sec. Duffy Proposes Kicking 9,500 Semitruck Drivers Off U.S. Roads for Failing English Proficiency Test
February 12, 2026

In a controversial move, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Duffy, has announced plans to remove 9,500 semitruck drivers from American roads due to their failure to meet a new English proficiency requirement. The measure, which is part of a larger effort to address safety concerns in the trucking industry, has sparked a heated debate across the country.

Under the proposed regulation, all commercial truck drivers are required to demonstrate basic proficiency in English, including the ability to understand road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and navigate in emergency situations. Sec. Duffy defended the policy, stating, “Safety is our number one priority. Drivers must be able to communicate clearly and understand instructions while on the road to prevent accidents and save lives.”

The new rule is aimed at ensuring that all drivers, regardless of nationality, are fully capable of operating their vehicles safely. However, the move has faced significant backlash from various groups, particularly immigrant rights organizations and trucking unions, which argue that the policy unfairly targets non-English-speaking drivers and could result in significant labor shortages in the already struggling trucking industry.

“Many of these drivers have been working safely for years, and this rule is a direct attack on hardworking immigrants who contribute to the economy,” said Maria Torres, a spokesperson for the National Immigrant Workers Alliance. “This is a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against non-English speakers and create unnecessary barriers for them to earn a living.”

Supporters of the policy, including some within the trucking industry, argue that the ability to understand and communicate in English is vital for safety, particularly in emergency situations. “The risk of miscommunication during a roadside emergency or traffic stop can be life-threatening,” said Mark Fisher, a trucking industry safety consultant. “This policy is about ensuring that drivers can react appropriately when every second counts.”

The proposal is still under review, but if enacted, it would be a significant change to the federal trucking regulations, potentially impacting thousands of drivers across the country. As the controversy unfolds, many are left wondering: Do you support Secretary Duffy’s decision to kick non-English-speaking semitruck drivers off U.S. roads?