US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that he has not changed his stance on H-1B visas, stressing the need for skilled workers in the nation. He made these remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort on New Year’s Eve.
When questioned by a reporter about a perceived change in his stance on H-1B visas, Trump responded, “I didn’t change my mind on H-1B visas.I’ve always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country. We need smart people in our country. We need a lot of people coming in. We’re going to have jobs like never before.”
Immigration attorney Steven Brown reacted to Trump’s stance on X.
“Interesting #H1B news, pleasantly surprised to see from DJT,” Brown said.
The H-1B visa program allows highly skilled foreign workers to work in the US. The Biden administration recently announced plans to streamline the application process and address potential misuse by companies.
Trump’s evolving views on H-1B
Trump’s past comments on the program, as reported by the Associated Press, described it as “unfair” to American workers and “very bad.” However, Trump reiterated his support for the program in a comment to the New York Post, saying, “`I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them.”
This recent support aligns Trump with billionaire Elon Musk, who has also defended the program. Vivek Ramaswamy, a Trump supporter, has previously criticized the H-1B program, advocating for a system that prioritizes highly skilled individuals, promotes competition, and reduces bureaucracy.
Political analyst on Trump’s support for H-1B visas
Trump’s support for H-1B visas could create conflict with his base, according to political analyst Craig Agranoff. He explained this tension to Newsweek. “His support for H1B visas might seem at odds with the broader ‘America First’ stance that resonates with much of his MAGA base,” Agranoff said. “Many within that movement view these visas as competing with American workers for jobs, especially in tech sectors. His position could alienate some staunch supporters who feel strongly about prioritizing domestic labor.”
Agranoff also noted Trump’s history of balancing populist rhetoric with pro-business policies.
“It’s also important to note that Trump has always balanced his populist rhetoric with policies that appeal to business interests,” he said. “The H1B program is valued by many industries for bringing in skilled labor, and Trump may be trying to maintain support from the business community while framing his stance as pro-growth and beneficial to the U.S. economy. Whether this creates lasting friction with his base will depend on how effectively he communicates the economic benefits of H1B visas in a way that aligns with the MAGA vision.”
