LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – In Nevada, there’s about 22,000 Hispanic truckers – and many are now feeling the effects of a new executive order that could put their livelihoods at risk.
Federal rules have long required truckers to know enough English to read road signs, speak with police, and fill out reports. But until now, it hasn’t been strictly enforced. That changed in April – when President Trump signed an executive order demanding tougher crackdowns.
The new enforcement took effect June 25.
“Very important, especially because of the safety right, the safety where they travel, where they go,” said Communications Director for the Nevada Hispanic Truckers Association, Dunia Antunez. “But it’s ok that you don’t know English, but this is very important.”
For many, the sudden enforcement brought fear – but for Las Vegas truck driver, Christian Grajeda it’s about safety.
“If my family was involved in an accident I’d like for them at least to read and know the basics,” Grajeda said. “Like I said, at least I’m not saying write a book, right, but at least know a little bit of English.”
The Nevada Hispanic Truckers Association is telling truckers to look at this as a positive change.
“The importance of learning English is because your generation gets better, your family gets better, you have better opportunities here,” Antunez said.
The Libre Initiative launched free English classes – welcoming truckers and others in the community who want to sharpen their skills.
“I think there’s so much potential in our Latino community, and if we are able to overcome this language barrier, it just opens a whole bunch of opportunity,” said Strategic Director for the Libre Initiative Eddie Diaz.
For some, the new rule still feels like a challenge, but others see it as a new beginning.
“I would say don’t be afraid, I mean, everywhere we go, anywhere in the world, where we would go, we’d have to adapt to their language,” Grajeda said.
For more information on the free English classes the Libre Initiative is offering, visit their official Facebook page.
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