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Ex-NY Giants Player Advocates for Ex-Convicts to Fill Trucking Jobs Amidst Visa Restrictions
EXCLUSIVE: Securing a well-paying second-chance job remains one of the most significant hurdles for reformed ex-convicts reintegrating into society. Jack Brewer, a former safety for the New York Giants and a dedicated humanitarian activist, articulated his views on this issue to Fox News Digital.
In light of recent events, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued an order that bars illegal immigrants and certain visa holders from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. This decision came after a tragic incident on Florida’s Turnpike, which reinforces the necessity for U.S. citizens, particularly those seeking viable job opportunities, according to Brewer.
Brewer leads the Jack Brewer Foundation, an organization aimed at assisting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. The foundation works to facilitate their reintegration into society while providing essential resources like food and shelter for those in need worldwide. The organization also draws attention to the pressing issue of fatherlessness in the United States.
Brewer emphasized the importance of ending the issuance of visas for commercial truck drivers. He asserted that numerous Americans, particularly men, are eager and prepared to work in these roles but face significant obstacles due to their criminal records or bureaucratic regulations. “It’s about time we stop visas for commercial truck drivers. There are Americans ready, trained, and willing to work in these jobs,” Brewer stated firmly.
Rubio’s order, announced Thursday, was a direct response to an illegal immigrant trucker allegedly causing the fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike. Brewer pointed out that many Americans struggle to find stable employment.
“Many can’t get good jobs, making it almost impossible for them to sign a lease or rent a home. They carry that stigma forever,” he said.
According to Brewer, federal statistics reveal that roughly 19 million felons reside in the United States. Additionally, 77 million Americans are affected in some manner by the judicial system, which represents nearly one-third of the working-age population.
Brewer argued that these statistics are particularly concerning for U.S. citizens striving to secure work. He elaborated using the scarcity of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) as a key example. Across the nation, inmates participate in CDL training programs that prepare them for careers in trucking. Yet, upon release, many individuals are hindered from pursuing these job opportunities due to restrictive probation rules and regulations.
Brewer underscored the implications of the recent tragedy involving an alleged illegal truck driver, Harjinder Singh, who fled to California following the crash but was later extradited back. This incident serves as a stark reminder of why the focus should shift back to prioritizing U.S. citizens.
He poignantly noted the deceased in that crash could have been family or staff involved with his foundation. “I know the prisons in that area, I know the men coming out of them, and I know how hard it is for them to get jobs,” he added.
On Thursday, Rubio mandated a halt to all worker visas for commercial truck drivers. He cited safety concerns and expressed that these measures aim to protect the livelihoods of American truckers.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier echoed this sentiment during an announcement at the Live Oak weigh station on I-10 in the panhandle. Uthmeier confirmed that the state would employ its 287(g) agreement with ICE to conduct immigration checks at such facilities.
Brewer commended Uthmeier’s actions and urged other states to adopt similar measures. He insisted that every driver of a large truck should undergo rigorous verification of their credentials, and that only legal U.S. citizens should hold such responsibilities.
Brewer contended that prioritizing ex-convicts for jobs in the trucking industry is only the beginning. He urged that other sectors should adopt a similar approach and prioritize U.S. citizens, especially those overcoming challenges associated with their past. “Take the shackles off” those who are tax-paying citizens before considering foreign nationals to fill job vacancies, he implored.
Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), added that Rubio’s order aims to dismantle the common belief in a trucking shortage. Spencer argued that the misuse of visa programs, paired with a surge of non-domiciled CDL holders in recent years, has caused an influx of drivers into the country who struggle to adhere to safety regulations.
He also called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to suspend all non-domiciled CDL programs, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing qualified and legal drivers in the trucking industry.
Enhancing Opportunities for Reformed Ex-Convicts
Brewer’s comments reflect a growing recognition of the difficulties that ex-convicts face in finding stable employment. As societal perceptions continue to evolve, there is an increasing understanding that many of these individuals possess valuable skills and are eager to reintegrate successfully.
Addressing barriers to employment, especially in critical sectors like trucking, underscores the pressing need for policies that prioritize American citizens, particularly those looking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
In focusing on U.S. citizens and ex-convicts, society can create a more inclusive workforce. This approach not only supports economic stability but also aids in reducing recidivism rates. Bridging the gap between these individuals and significant employment opportunities is crucial in building stronger communities.
As the debate surrounding immigration policies continues, voices like Brewer’s offer a powerful perspective on the importance of prioritizing employment for Americans and addressing the unique challenges faced by ex-convicts.
