Association of American Railroads

The Trump administration is proposing stricter English proficiency requirements for Mexican train crews operating in the U.S. to enhance safety and protect jobs. The rule, supported by major rail unions, aims to ensure crews can understand critical safety information and limits their operations to within 10 miles of the border. The Federal Railroad Administration cited inspection findings at Texas railyards as a basis for the policy.

The Trump administration proposed stricter rules requiring Mexican train crews crossing into the U.S. to demonstrate English proficiency for safety communication. The rule limits Mexican crews to operating trains no more than 10 miles inside the U.S. and aligns with efforts to enforce English comprehension for truck drivers. Rail unions supported the move, while affected railroads like Union Pacific and CPKC did not immediately comment.