The US President-elect Acknowledges Frequent Use of H-1B Visas, Signaling a Potential Policy Shift
Washington DC [US], December 29: In a notable shift from his earlier stance, US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for the H-1B visa program, calling it a “great program” and acknowledging frequent use of it across his own properties.
“I’ve always liked the visas; I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said in a telephonic interview with the New York Post. He added, “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
A Policy Reversal?
During his first term in office, the Trump administration imposed strict restrictions on H-1B visas, citing concerns over program “abuse” and its perceived impact on American job opportunities. In 2016, Trump criticized the visa system, claiming it allowed companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. These restrictions were further tightened in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump’s latest remarks come amid a growing divide within his MAGA team, particularly between figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have advocated for expanding the H-1B visa program for highly skilled workers.
Internal Divisions Over H-1B Visas
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who head Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have sparked renewed debate over H-1B visas and broader immigration policy. Their pro-H-1B stance has faced backlash from within Trump’s base, exposing internal divisions over immigration priorities.
Adding to the complexity, Trump recently announced Sriram Krishnan as White House Policy Adviser on Artificial Intelligence. Krishnan, a vocal advocate for removing per-country caps on green cards, has drawn mixed reactions from Trump’s supporters.
While some back this policy shift, arguing it could address critical tech workforce shortages, others see it as inconsistent with Trump’s broader immigration agenda.
The US-India Connection
The H-1B visa program remains a critical bridge in US-India relations, with Indian professionals comprising 72% of H-1B visa recipients in fiscal year 2023. Changes to this program have significant implications not only for the US tech industry but also for bilateral ties between the US and India.
Conclusion
As Trump prepares to assume office, immigration policy, particularly around H-1B visas, is expected to remain a hot-button issue. His recent remarks suggest a potential softening of his earlier hardline stance, but internal divides within his team indicate ongoing debates and uncertainties around the future of skilled immigration in the US.
All eyes are now on how Trump will balance economic needs, political expectations, and his administration’s policy goals in the coming months.