The Journey of Arash Singh: A Sikh Truck Driver’s Story

Overcoming Challenges on US Highways

Arash Singh, a 25-year-old Sikh truck driver, has traveled thousands of miles across U.S. highways, transporting goods from Washington to California. He faces various challenges, including navigating icy storms, heavy traffic, and occasional harassment due to his turban. "As an immigrant driver," Singh shared with The New York Times, "there is plenty you always must think about."

Struggles with Immigration Policies

In 2022, Singh sought asylum in the U.S. but recently faced threats of losing his commercial driver’s license due to new federal regulations targeting foreign drivers. California’s audits revealed that thousands of commercial licenses were issued improperly, leading to the revocation of licenses. Singh received a notice demanding proof of permanent residency or citizenship to keep his license, something he does not possess. Fortunately, a federal court has temporarily paused these regulations.

Advocacy and Criticism

This crackdown follows two fatal incidents involving Sikh truck drivers in California, igniting criticism from immigrant advocacy groups. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that these measures are intended to enhance safety and compliance among foreign drivers. However, Democrats and state leaders argue that the rules unfairly target legally working immigrants.

The Sikh Community in Trucking

Sikhs have a long-standing presence in the American trucking industry, particularly in California, where around 150,000 Sikhs currently work in the field. This represents about a quarter of Sikh adults employed in the United States, according to the North American Punjabi Trucking Association.

Family Support and Personal Sacrifices

For Singh, this work is crucial to his family’s well-being. Most of his income is dedicated to truck payments and supporting relatives in India. "Every day, I miss my home, but it’s better here,” he reflected. “I can work and support my family. It’s safer for me here.”

Daily Life on the Road

Singh detailed the everyday struggles of life on the road, including long hours, solitary meals, and adjusting his routine to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his profession, stating, "I want to work."

Community Concerns and Fear

California officials, including City Council member Manpreet Kaur, expressed that the new policy has generated fear within the trucking community. "People are scared," she commented. "This is yet another immigrant community being targeted."

Two Major Accidents Involving Sikh Truck Drivers

August Incident on the Florida Turnpike

In August, a tragic accident occurred when a semi-truck on the Florida Turnpike attempted an illegal U-turn, leading to a minivan crash that resulted in the deaths of all three passengers. The driver, Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian national without documentation, survived but has been charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter.

October Chain-Reaction Crash in California

In October 2025, another incident involved 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, a truck driver from California, who caused a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 10. His truck collided with slow-moving traffic, leading to three fatalities and multiple injuries. He has been arrested and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

This narrative highlights the challenges faced by Sikh truck drivers in the U.S., the complexities of immigration policies, and the impact on families and communities.