Trump Mandates English Proficiency for Truck Drivers or Face License Revocation

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump enacted an executive order requiring all truck drivers nationwide to demonstrate English proficiency, citing "public safety" as the rationale. This directive compels the Department of Transportation to administer a language test for commercial vehicle operators. According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, the decision aims to address "communication issues" that, in the administration's view, pose a risk on the nation's roads.

Leavitt stated in a press briefing, "We're ensuring that all our truck drivers, the backbone of our economy, speak English. It's a common-sense policy," as reported by EFE. The executive order clarifies that federal law already includes the requirement for commercial drivers to read and speak English but accuses previous administrations of neglecting enforcement, impacting road safety negatively.

Trump emphasizes English proficiency as a "non-negotiable safety requirement" and recalls declaring English the official language of the United States in March through another executive order. Among other directives, the new order mandates a review of commercial driver's licenses, particularly those issued to non-residents, to identify potential irregularities. Drivers failing to meet the language requirement may be put out of service.

Nevertheless, the National Association of Truckers criticized the measure, labeling the claim of an influx of foreign truckers compromising U.S. road safety as "false." The organization accused the government of manipulating data to support a political agenda. The White House defended the order, asserting its aim to protect American families and improve working conditions for local truckers in a country where traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death.

Impact on Cuban Truckers in the U.S.

Trump's newly signed executive order mandating English proficiency for all commercial truck drivers in the U.S. could significantly affect thousands of Cuban American workers in the industry. Estimates suggest that between 20,000 and 25,000 truck drivers of Cuban descent are actively working in the country. Many have found economic progress and stability in the transportation sector, especially in states like Florida, where the Cuban community is strongly represented, and Spanish remains widely spoken.

Stories like that of Rachel Rubio, a young Cuban truck driver in the U.S. achieving financial independence, highlight the importance of this profession within the community. Additionally, testimonies from truckers who have made their cabins their homes and symbols of freedom underscore that, while many immigrants have successfully integrated into the sector, not all are proficient in English.

The new regulations introduce stringent requirements that could jeopardize the licenses and employment of those who are not yet fluent in the language. The threat of being taken out of service for failing a language test adds pressure to a group already challenged by long hours, regulatory demands, and cultural barriers.

An emblematic case illustrating the potential consequences of limited language skills is that of Rogel Lázaro Aguilera-Mederos, a Cuban trucker initially sentenced to 110 years in prison following a deadly accident in Colorado in 2019. Aguilera-Mederos required an interpreter during his questioning due to his lack of English proficiency. Moreover, the company he worked for had previously been cited for employing drivers unable to adequately read or speak English, including difficulties understanding road signs.

Although his sentence was commuted to 10 years after a significant public campaign, the case highlights the legal and human risks faced by drivers with limited language skills. By mandating full English competence as a compulsory requirement, Trump's new order could exacerbate this vulnerability for many Cuban Americans behind the wheel.

Contradictions on the Road: English Requirement vs. Autonomous Driving

Trump's new executive order appears to conflict with his administration's efforts to promote autonomous driving in the transportation industry. During his first term, the Trump administration advocated for policies facilitating the development of self-driving vehicles. In 2018, the Department of Transportation released the "AV 3.0" guidelines, clarifying that federal safety regulations did not necessarily assume a human driver in commercial vehicles, thus removing regulatory barriers to the advancement of autonomous driving.

However, the new executive order reemphasizes the need for human drivers to be proficient in English, which could be seen as a step back from envisioning a more automated transportation industry. This measure could impact thousands of truckers, including those of Cuban descent, who lack language proficiency, creating uncertainty about their future in a sector that paradoxically is moving towards automation.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has shown interest in reducing regulations for autonomous vehicles, as evidenced by the recent relaxation of accident reporting requirements for automated driving systems. This duality in policies raises questions about the government's coherence in its strategy regarding the future of transportation and the integration of emerging technologies.

In summary, while the Trump administration champions innovation in autonomous vehicles, the imposition of strict language requirements for human drivers could hinder the transition to a more automated industry and impact driver communities already facing significant challenges.