The trucks keep rolling on Highway 99 in California, the route bustling with freight traffic through the Central Valley. Behind the wheel is often a turbaned Sikh man, with cab interiors adorned with religious symbols, portraits of Sikh Gurus, or posters celebrating Punjabi singers.
Sikhs, who are a religious minority group from India, have increasingly formed a significant part of America's trucking workforce, transporting a range of goods across the nation. Yet, a recent crash in Florida has cast a shadow over the community, sparking fears of increased discrimination and potential economic consequences.
Approximately 750,000 Sikhs reside in the U.S., with around 150,000 employed in the trucking industry. They have played a crucial role in the supply chain, evident from the names of their trucking companies—like Singh Trucking and Punjab Trucking—and even in the cuisine offered at truck stops, where nearly 40% of truck drivers are Sikh.
Many Sikh truck drivers possess limited English skills but have years of experience operating large vehicles. These circumstances have become precarious following an administration decision to tighten language requirements for commercial drivers. In response, Sikh temples in California have begun offering English language classes to help drivers acquire necessary skills.
Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, a volunteer with a Sikh temple in Stockton, noted that following recent regulatory changes, many drivers opted to stay home out of fear. 'We started the class in mid-July, to help them return to work,' he explained.
Narinder Singh, a 51-year-old truck driver in the U.S. for eight years, expressed the importance of compliance with the law and his commitment to being a good citizen. 'Sometimes an individual's actions may cost the entire community,' he remarked, alluding to the impact of a fatal crash on Sikh truck drivers.
On August 12, Harjinder Singh, an Indian-born truck driver, was involved in a tragic accident on the Florida Turnpike, resulting in the deaths of three people. The Department of Homeland Security has since claimed that Harjinder entered the U.S. illegally; however, California officials argued that he had been issued a driver's license legally.
The crash has triggered widespread repercussions within the community, including a pause in visa issuances for foreign truck drivers by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and an alarming uptick in harassment against Sikh drivers. Raman Singh Dhillon, CEO of the North American Punjabi Trucking Association, noted that many drivers now fear becoming targets of discrimination and violence.
Drivers have reported incidents of harassment at truck stops including being subjected to slurs and ridicule, while some have even been threatened by law enforcement. The fear has led drivers to avoid certain states known for stricter immigration oversight, negatively impacting the trucking industry.
Amid these challenges, community efforts to educate drivers are paramount. Language classes at local temples have shown promising results, instilling confidence in Sikh drivers as they navigate the complexities of American roads and regulations. Raman Singh Dhillon has advocated for a deeper investigation into how states issue commercial driver’s licenses and urges for better support systems for immigrant drivers.
With language barriers and discrimination at the forefront of discussions in the Sikh trucking community, the focus is shifting toward finding collaborative solutions that ensure the safety and success of this vital workforce within the wider transport industry.
