Indian Truck Driver’s Viral Interview Sparks Controversy
The recent interview of an Indian truck driver, Vivak Sharma, with ABC 7 News gained significant attention online, but not for the reasons one might expect. The interview highlighted his struggles due to a new emergency rule from the US transport department, which only allows green card holders and US citizens to renew their commercial driver’s licenses.
Sharma has been living in the United States legally for ten years while seeking political asylum, with his final court case scheduled for next year. He has been working as a truck driver for eight years, but now faces challenges as he is unable to renew his license. This has caused him concern over his ability to send money back to India, prompting him to search for alternative employment.
The viral nature of the video led to a flurry of questions and comments from social media users. Many expressed curiosity about why Sharma had not learned English despite living in the US for a decade. Some questioned his asylum claim, pointing out he wasn’t from a country in turmoil.
Comments on social media varied widely, with one user stating, “This noncitizen truck driver refuses to learn English and is upset because the Trump administration won’t let him renew his Commercial Drivers License so he can send money back to his family in India.” Another user added frustration over his decade in the US without learning the language and suggested he should return to his home country.
About the situation, one particularly vocal user expressed indifference, saying, “Who cares? This NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING alien was DENIED a renewal for his trucking license after the Trump administration issued new guidance to close loopholes…. GOOD.”
In response to the unfolding situation, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy commented, “Crocodile tears for a man who has spent a decade in our country but couldn’t be bothered to learn our language. Our new rules will keep you and your family SAFE on America’s roads!” This remark further fueled the discussion surrounding the issue.
Overall, Sharma’s interview has not only spotlighted the difficulties faced by some immigrants in the US but also ignited debates about language acquisition and residency status.
