Biden's Last Kick: More Foreign Truckers, Less Help for Americans

In his final days in office, President Biden has given a parting gift to employers by increasing foreign trucker visas. The Department of Homeland Security plans to offer 70, 000 more H-2B visas next year, double last year's number. But why make it easier for companies to hire foreign workers while American truckers face layoffs? In just two months, over 4, 000 truckers lost their jobs. The industry is struggling, yet the focus is on bringing in more foreign workers. Secretary Mayorkas believes these visas help employers fill positions and boost the economy. But is it really about helping American workers? The trucking industry has a retention problem, not a shortage. Truckers' pay has dropped thanks to deregulation. The Biden administration's move could keep wages low by making it easier to hire foreign workers. Foreign truckers might not be well-trained or speak English, which is crucial for safety. Corrupt DMVs have given out Commercial Driver's Licenses without proper testing. This puts highway safety at risk. American truckers deserve better. They need fair pay and conditions, not more competition from foreign workers. A bill introduced in 2022, the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, could have helped. But it's been ignored. Instead, the government keeps throwing money at the problem without fixing it. American truckers hope the new administration will prioritize them and cancel these visas. There are plenty of out-of-work American truckers ready to fill these positions.