ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As the Trump administration reviews millions of visas for foreign nationals in the U.S., one specific industry is facing significant challenges due to a halt in visa issuance for a certain job category.
Truck drivers holding work visas are expressing concern for their futures, including Ruslan Zelenye, who has dedicated eight years to driving a tractor-trailer—six of which were spent in Ukraine and two in the U.S.
“I enjoy it. I love driving and being a truck driver…I travel to places like California, Massachusetts, New York, and Nebraska… this is my life,” said Zelenye.
However, he faces an approaching expiration of his commercial driver’s license. Employed by Lakeville Trucking Company on a work visa, Zelenye represents one of 20 Ukrainian truck drivers among 60 total at the firm.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, what are we going to do now?’” exclaimed Lakeville Trucking owner Alex Voronin upon learning that the U.S. has stopped issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers. “This will have a significant impact. I need to advise my management to begin searching for drivers, but that’s a daunting task. I have been in business since 2008, and while people will apply, most do not meet the qualifications,” Voronin added.
This situation coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce the requirement that truck drivers possess proficiency in reading and speaking English.
“Some drivers are currently focused on improving their English skills. They’re actively driving while trying to learn the language as the new regulations rolled out a couple of months ago will require testing for English proficiency,” Voronin stated.
The administration’s decision follows a tragic accident in Florida that resulted in three fatalities, involving Harjinder Singh, who is in the U.S. on a work visa and obtained his commercial driver’s license in California. Authorities noted he made an illegal U-turn, raising concerns about his English proficiency.
“While there are some who struggle with English, I ensure my drivers can handle basic tasks to confirm they understand essential aspects like road signs,” Voronin mentioned.
Zelenye is anxious about how he would provide for his wife and three children if he could no longer drive, while Voronin is preoccupied with how to keep his fleet operational.
“I’m trying to figure out how to reach the administration for answers. What are our next steps? How can these drivers remain here? Can they extend their visas?” Voronin questioned. Zelenye remarked, “No driver’s license, no job.”
