Trucking company owner-turned-lawmaker praises Trump’s English-language order

A House Republican with deep roots in the trucking industry is speaking out against the presence of illegal immigrants working in the sector in the United States. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican from Georgia, commended President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring English proficiency for professional drivers during an interview with Fox News Digital.

Collins, who has spent three decades in the trucking industry, expressed concerns about the impact of illegal immigrants obtaining driver’s licenses in several states, regardless of their immigration status. He highlighted a 75% increase in accident rates, attributing it to drivers who are unable to read or speak English.

The issue is further complicated by the impending REAL ID deadline, which the Trump administration is finally enforcing after two decades. The measure aims to crack down on illegal immigrants, particularly those who have been granted driver’s licenses in states with lenient policies.

Collins emphasized the need for stricter regulations in the industry, pointing out that drivers without legal status have little incentive to adhere to safety guidelines. He called for the removal of such individuals from the roads, urging them to return to their home countries.

While the implementation of REAL ID is expected to enhance security measures, some states will still issue non-compliant licenses alongside the federal standard. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the new regulations in curbing illegal immigration in the short term.

In a related development, the Trump administration is working to prevent illegal border crossings by restricting travel via airlines. Noncompliant state IDs will soon be prohibited from use on commercial flights and in federal buildings, starting May 7. The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized the stringent security standards of REAL ID, which aim to prevent the forgery of legitimate documents by unauthorized individuals.

As the debate over immigration and driver safety continues, stakeholders in the trucking industry are closely monitoring the implications of these policy changes. The intersection of national security concerns and industry regulations underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing illegal immigration in the transportation sector.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the House of Representatives, provides insights into the evolving landscape of immigration policy and its impact on key industries. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for the latest updates and tips on immigration-related issues.