B-1 Visa Truckers Paid 25 Cents a Mile in Cabotage Scheme
A Texas trucking company owner is accused of using Mexican drivers holding B-1 visas to haul domestic freight in the United States, allegedly paying them substantially less than authorized drivers for similar work.
Indictment Alleges More Than 1,000 Domestic Trips
The indictment alleges that VMS Transport owner Armando Martinez Varela arranged for Mexican B-1 visa holders to perform domestic transportation work that was not authorized under their visa status.
According to company records cited in the charges, VMS drivers holding B-1 visas made 1,044 domestic transportation trips involving 57 drivers. The records allegedly cover a period from April 20 through May 15, although the year was not specified in the available information.
Pay Differential Alleged
The indictment alleges that VMS paid the B-1 drivers between 25 cents and 50 cents per mile. Authorized drivers performing similar work were allegedly paid approximately 70 cents per mile.
Prosecutors allege the arrangement reduced VMS Transport’s labor costs by allowing the company to use drivers who were paid at lower rates for domestic freight movements.
B-1 Visa Restrictions and Enforcement
B-1 visas may allow Mexican commercial drivers to transport cargo across the international border to a specific destination. They do not generally authorize drivers to make point-to-point deliveries solely within the United States.
The case comes as federal officials increase enforcement efforts involving alleged cabotage violations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that roughly 3,200 Mexican drivers have had their visas revoked over alleged violations involving domestic transportation.
The allegations against Varela and VMS Transport remain claims in an indictment. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
