Arash Singh, a 25-year-old Sikh immigrant, has navigated countless challenges on American highways, from treacherous ice storms to heavy traffic and even harassment tied to his religious identity. His journey hauling goods from Washington to California is now threatened by a federal crackdown that could strip him of his commercial driver's licence.
Federal Rules Target Foreign Drivers, Sparking Fear
Singh, who sought asylum in the United States in 2022, recently received a notice stating he must provide proof of permanent residency or US citizenship to retain his commercial driving privilege. He possesses neither document, placing his livelihood in immediate jeopardy. Although a federal court has temporarily paused the enforcement of these rules, the uncertainty looms large.
This regulatory push began after audits in California revealed that thousands of commercial licences had been improperly issued. The state consequently started revoking licences. The move gained momentum following two separate fatal accidents in 2025 involving Sikh truck drivers, which placed the community under intense scrutiny.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the measures, stating they are intended to enhance safety and ensure compliance among foreign drivers. However, the policy has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and Democratic leaders, who argue it unfairly targets immigrants who are working legally.
A Community Integral to American Trucking
The Sikh community has a deep-rooted history in the American trucking industry, with many settling in California. According to the North American Punjabi Trucking Association, approximately 150,000 Sikhs work in the US trucking sector, accounting for a quarter of all Sikh adults employed in the country.
For Arash Singh, this work is not just a job; it's a lifeline for his family. The majority of his earnings go towards truck payments and supporting relatives back in India. "Every day, I miss my home, but it's better here," Singh told the New York Times. "I can work and support my family. It's safer for me here." He describes a life of long, solitary hours on the road, constantly adjusting his routine to avoid unwanted attention.
The Accidents That Fueled the Crackdown
The federal scrutiny intensified after two tragic incidents. In August 2025, a semi-truck driven by 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, an Indian national who entered the US without documentation, attempted an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike. The maneuver blocked traffic, causing a minivan to crash into the trailer and killing all three occupants. Harjinder Singh, who survived, was charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter.
In October 2025, another incident occurred on Interstate 10 in Ontario, California. Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old Indian-origin truck driver, was involved in a chain-reaction crash when his truck ploughed into slow-moving traffic. The accident resulted in three fatalities and several injuries. He was arrested and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs.
These tragedies have cast a shadow over the entire community. California City Council member Manpreet Kaur said the policy is creating widespread fear among truckers. "People are scared," she emphasized. "This is yet another immigrant community being targeted."
Despite the looming threat and daily hardships, Arash Singh's resolve remains firm. His simple, powerful statement encapsulates the drive of countless immigrants: "I want to work." As the legal battle over the licence rules continues, the future for him and thousands like him hangs in the balance.
