Former President Donald Trump has expressed a nuanced stance on the H-1B visa program, saying he supports both sides of the debate but ultimately favors expanding the range of professions eligible for the visa. His comments, made on his first full day in office, suggested that the H-1B program should not only prioritize engineers but also encompass roles like maitre d’s, wine experts, and high-quality waiters.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations to fill labor shortages in fields like technology and engineering. Trump acknowledged the controversy surrounding the program, with critics arguing that it has been used to replace American workers with lower-wage foreign labor. However, he emphasized the importance of attracting highly skilled individuals to the U.S. across various sectors, not just in engineering.
“I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country,” Trump said during a briefing. He added that the U.S. should welcome professionals who can bring expertise and train others, even if their qualifications do not strictly align with traditional expectations.
Trump’s comments reflect the ongoing debate within Republican circles, including his own administration, over the H-1B program. While many H-1B visa holders come to the U.S. for engineering roles, Trump highlighted the need for talent in a broader range of fields, citing prominent figures like Larry Ellison, Sam Altman, and Masayoshi Son, who require highly skilled workers to support business growth.
The U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually, with the majority going to workers from India. As the debate continues, Trump’s approach suggests a shift toward prioritizing talent and competence over specific qualifications, signaling potential changes to the program’s scope and application.
Picture H1B-visa- by FMT-CCA-SA-4-0
