The United States is preparing significant changes to its policies governing migrant truck drivers, with Indian nationals expected to be among those most affected, according to a report published by the Indian news outlet India Today.
The report said the proposed measures are being considered amid concerns over cases involving unlicensed driving and drug smuggling. It added that US authorities are examining the possibility of imposing restrictions on Indian truck drivers found to be involved in such offences.
According to India Today, US President Donald Trump has proposed replacing migrant truck drivers with retired members of the US armed forces. If implemented, the proposal could affect approximately 150,000 Indian truck drivers currently working in the United States.
The report quoted Trump as saying his administration would take what he described as historic action against illegal migrant drivers involved in road accidents resulting in fatalities.
He also claimed that some migrant drivers were unable to read road signs, that many were addicted to drugs, and that they had entered the United States illegally before driving on the country's roads.
India Today further reported that Indian truck drivers in the United States are facing increased scrutiny over alleged involvement in serious road accidents and drug smuggling cases.
The publication also claimed that, because of a rise in criminal activities involving some Indian nationals, citizens of India have faced stricter restrictions and deportation measures in several countries.