The United States has moved to suspend work visas for Nigerian truck drivers, a decision officials say is tied to both safety concerns and the protection of American jobs. 

The policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, takes effect immediately and is part of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown since his return to office in January 2025.

Job protection and highway afety

According to Rubio, the growing number of foreign truck drivers on U.S. highways has raised alarm over road safety and its impact on the earnings of American drivers. 

He explained that the government’s priority is to reduce risks on the roads while also ensuring that American workers are not pushed aside in their own industry.

“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio said when unveiling the suspension.

Immigration bonds for high-risk countries

The new rule does not only affect Nigerians. Applicants from countries with high visa overstay records will now be required to post bonds ranging between $5,000 and $15,000 before certain visas can be issued. 

U.S. officials say this measure is meant to discourage overstays and strengthen compliance with immigration laws.

Stricter requirements for Nigerians

For Nigerians, the restrictions go a step further. Applicants must now provide details of their social media activity covering the past five years. 

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has made it clear that failure to give accurate information could lead to outright denial and, in some cases, permanent ineligibility for future visa applications.

The suspension of visas for truck drivers fits into a wider agenda being driven by Trump’s administration. 

Since returning to the White House, Trump has doubled down on stricter immigration rules, targeting countries the U.S. considers to have weak travel data systems and high non-compliance rates.