New York, NY | November 17, 2025
UNITED SIKHS, an international nonprofit defending the rights of Sikh and immigrant communities, welcomes the temporary court decision to pause the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule that would have prevented many lawfully eligible immigrant drivers from obtaining, keeping, or renewing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
Why This Matters?
The FMCSA rule, issued in September 2025, would have barred asylees, refugees, DACA recipients, and other lawful immigrants from holding CDLs, regardless of their driving history or skills. This rule directly affects the Sikh trucking community, which numbers over 150,000 drivers, about one-fifth of the U.S. trucking workforce. Many Sikh immigrants entered the trucking industry to fill shortages and support the American economy, FMCSA cited road safety as the reason for the rule, but there is no evidence linking immigration status to unsafe driving. The agency itself acknowledged there is insufficient data to support this claim.
Discrimination and Harassment
The harassment of Sikhs following the agency’s attempt to implement the rule, has been well documented and the consequences show the rule does more harm than good. It places the Sikh and immigrant trucking community at risk while exacerbating the nationwide truck driver shortage, which FMCSA failed to consider.
Sikh Civil Rights Organizations Speak Out Against the FMCSA Rule
UNITED SIKHS’ statement to the Court in support of pausing enforcement of the rule was included in an amicus brief filed on October 29, 2025 by various Sikh organizations. It explained that the rule is arbitrary and discriminatory. UNITED SIKHS, the Sikh Coalition and the Asian Law Caucus emphasized that the rule targets immigrant drivers and Sikhs without evidence. The amicus brief also argued that the rule threatens livelihoods, safety, and the dignity of Sikh truckers who have long contributed to the U.S. economy and that the public interest is harmed because removing thousands of experienced drivers increases risk on the roads. “Sikh truck drivers have become targets simply for who they are,” the UNITED SIKHS amicus statement said.
“The rule unfairly punishes immigrants who work hard and contribute to society and we are grateful for this stay, but the fight for fairness continues,” stated Wanda Sanchez Day, Esq., Chief Legal Officer at UNITED SIKHS.
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About UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is an international, non-profit humanitarian organization affiliated with the U.N., committed to empowering disadvantaged and minority communities across the globe. Its mission is to provide support and resources to those in need, advocating for equality, justice, and human rights. Through various humanitarian projects and advocacy efforts, UNITED SIKHS works to uplift vulnerable communities, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the world.
For media inquiries or to support UNITED SIKHS’ legal advocacy efforts, please contact:
Gurleen Kaur
Director of Media and Public Relations
📧 gurleen.kaur@unitedsikhs.org | media@unitedsikhs.org
To contribute to our legal advocacy and humanitarian work, please visit: 🌐 www.unitedsikhs.org/donate