30,000 Visas Revoked for Foreign Operators; Transport Sector in Cd. Juarez Concerned
Ciudad Juarez, July 8, 2026 – The cancellation of B1 and B2 visas for cargo transport operators has begun to generate significant concern within the transport sector of Ciudad Juarez. This measure is anticipated to have a substantial impact on international trade and the supply chain connecting Mexico and the United States.
Manuel Sotelo, president of the Association of Transporters of Ciudad Juarez, explained that the decision stems from increased control by U.S. authorities. This follows complaints from U.S. companies regarding alleged unfair competition within the road transport industry.
20,000 Mexican Drivers Among Those Affected
According to Sotelo, between April 2025 and April 2026, approximately 30,000 such visas were revoked for foreign operators in the United States. Of these, around 20,000 belonged to Mexican drivers.
“This type of visa was first revoked for 30,000 foreign operators in the United States from April 2025 to April 2026; of those 30,000 visas that were revoked, 20,000 are Mexican,” Sotelo stated.
Potential Delays and Cost Increases
Manuel Sotelo indicated that the reduction in the number of authorized operators to enter the United States could directly affect the movement of goods and the supply of raw materials for industries located on the border.
He elaborated that U.S. companies reported that some Mexican operators were working under different salary conditions, which, he affirmed, led to complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“The American companies that do things well complained to the U.S. Department of Transportation because they are competing in something we cannot compete in, because the Mexican operator who is working under these conditions is paid less,” he commented.
Sotelo added that while the initial impact falls on U.S. companies, it could eventually affect Mexican industry.
“They are the ones who are running a bit short of operators; at the end of the day, it will affect us because the raw material that comes from the northern United States will not arrive or will arrive more expensively,” he explained.
Requirements for Maintaining a Visa
Operators of international crossings pointed out that maintaining a B1 or B2 visa requires fulfilling various requirements, including basic English language skills to respond during inspections or handle emergency situations.
Miguel Rubio, an international crossing operator, indicated that one of the main risks for losing authorization is involvement in irregularities during the transport of goods.
“The most important thing is a contaminated load… and there are some companies that do not pay taxes, which leads to losing the visa,” Rubio affirmed.
The transport sector in Ciudad Juarez is closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further developments and potential strategies to mitigate the economic and logistical challenges posed by these visa revocations.
Source: https://www.nmas.com.mx/chihuahua/economia/30-mil-visas-fueron-retiradas-a-operadores-sector-transportista-preocupado-en-cd-juarez/
