Saralnama
Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting intervention after the US paused work visas for foreign truck drivers following a fatal accident in Florida involving a Punjabi trucker, Harjinder Singh, who faces vehicular homicide charges. Singh, from Tarn Taran district, allegedly caused a crash killing three people and was arrested after fleeing to California. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the visa pause citing safety concerns and impact on American truckers' livelihoods. Arora highlighted the distress caused to around 150,000 Punjabis working in the US trucking industry, emphasizing their long-standing contribution to the American supply chain. He urged the Indian government to engage with US authorities to clarify the visa pause's scope and duration and to ensure fair treatment for Indian drivers. The North American Punjabi Association also appealed for consular support and legal assistance for Singh, stressing the importance of protecting his rights while the legal process proceeds. Both Arora and NAPA called for the Indian government’s proactive diplomatic engagement to support the Punjabi diaspora amid the visa restrictions. (Updated 24 Aug 2025, 18:37 IST; source: link)