US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating that truck drivers in America must be proficient in English, a requirement that has raised concerns among Sikh advocacy groups who argue it could create unnecessary barriers to employment for their community.
The executive order, titled 'Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers', states that proficiency in English is a "non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers." The order emphasizes the need for drivers to read and understand traffic signs and communicate effectively with law enforcement, border patrol, agricultural inspectors, and cargo station officials.
In the order, Trump declared, "My administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers, and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English." This move comes amid Trump's ongoing efforts to reform the US immigration system and crack down on illegal immigration.
Last month, Trump signed a separate executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, marking the first time in US history that an official language has been designated at the national level. This order also repealed a mandate from President Bill Clinton that required federal agencies to provide assistance to speakers of languages other than English. However, agencies are still permitted to offer services in other languages.
The Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group representing the Sikh community, expressed deep concern regarding the implications of this new order. They noted that approximately 150,000 Sikhs work in the trucking industry, with 90 percent of them being drivers. The group highlighted that more than 30,000 Sikh drivers entered the industry between 2016 and 2018, significantly contributing to this critical sector of the economy.
"Our community has played a vital role in meeting the high demand for drivers and alleviating the stress of driver shortages on American consumers and the economy; Sikhs help drive—quite literally—the American economy," the Sikh Coalition stated. They are currently working with partners to understand the legal implications and implementation processes of the order.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be responsible for implementing the order, which includes identifying and carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions aimed at improving the working conditions for America’s truck drivers within 60 days of the order's signing. Duffy announced plans to rescind the “dangerous Obama-era policy” that had previously dismissed English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
"Federal law is clear: a driver who cannot sufficiently read or speak English, our national language, and understand road signs is unqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in America. This commonsense standard should have never been abandoned," Duffy remarked. He emphasized that the Department of Transportation will always prioritize the needs and safety of America’s truck drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has documented instances where drivers’ inability to read signs and speak English has contributed to a series of fatal accidents. The order aims to rectify these issues by ensuring that drivers can communicate effectively and understand necessary safety protocols.
However, the Sikh Coalition fears that the executive order could disproportionately affect Sikh truck drivers and create barriers to employment for qualified individuals. They are advocating for a more inclusive approach that does not hinder the ability of skilled drivers to work in the industry.
As the implementation of this order unfolds, the impact on the trucking industry and the Sikh community remains to be seen. The Sikh Coalition continues to voice its concerns, hoping for a resolution that maintains safety without compromising employment opportunities for its members.
In summary, while the intention behind the executive order is to enhance safety on the roads, it raises significant questions about the potential implications for non-English speaking drivers and the broader trucking workforce. The balance between ensuring safety and promoting inclusivity will be crucial as the Trump administration moves forward with this new policy.
