
President-elect Donald Trump has publicly supported the H-1B visa program, which brings skilled workers to the U.S., aligning himself with tech leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated he “always liked” the H-1B visas and had previously hired guest workers under the scheme, despite having criticized it in the past.
This endorsement comes amid a broader debate within the Republican Party, where some members advocate for stricter immigration policies. Ramaswamy recently attributed American companies’ preference for foreign skilled workers to a decline in U.S. culture, igniting controversy among conservatives.
The H-1B visa program is capped at 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 for individuals holding a master’s degree from U.S. institutions. Research indicates that approximately 73% of H-1B visas are issued to Indian nationals, while 12% go to Chinese citizens.
In recent days, Trump has also reiterated his commitment to deporting undocumented immigrants immediately upon taking office. Despite speculation about his relationship with Musk and other billionaire supporters, Trump emphasized at a conservative conference in Arizona that he is not under Musk’s influence. “No, no, that’s not happening,” he told the crowd, dismissing claims that he has ceded control to Musk.
As the debate continues, Trump’s stance on H-1B visas highlights the complexities within his party regarding immigration and labor policies, especially as he prepares to assume the presidency.