Majority Punjabi Drivers Affected as Indiana Enforces New Licensing Law

In a major move against illegal immigration, authorities in the United States have revoked driver licenses of 1,790 individuals in the state of Indiana, with a significant number of those affected reported to be Punjabi drivers. The action follows the implementation of a new law under which licenses of non-resident drivers lacking valid visa categories—such as H-2A, H-2B, or E-2—have been cancelled. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issued notices to all 1,790 drivers on March 16, informing them of the cancellation. The licenses were automatically terminated on April 1 after the law came into force. The legislation, House Enrolled Act 1200, was signed into law in March 2026 by Indiana Governor Mike Braun. Officials stated that the move primarily impacts drivers who had entered the country illegally and were operating commercial vehicles without meeting legal requirements. According to the state administration, Indiana has become the first state in the United States to take such action specifically targeting illegal immigrant truck drivers. Governor Braun said the decision was influenced by two major road accidents in February 2026 involving Punjabi truck drivers. In one such incident, a truck driven by Sukhdeep Singh was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of a 64-year-old individual. Authorities maintain that the new measures aim to enhance road safety by preventing untrained and unqualified drivers from operating heavy vehicles. Under the updated rules, proficiency in the English language has also been made mandatory for drivers. Additionally, trucking companies found employing drivers with cancelled licenses will face a penalty of up to $50,000. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita clarified that the objective of the action is not to target any specific community but to ensure that all commercial drivers are properly trained and legally eligible to operate vehicles.