Trump declares himself 'believer in H-1B' visas, quashes opposition

New York: President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his strong support for the H-1B visa programme, describing it as an essential tool for bringing skilled professionals to the United States. His endorsement counters criticism from right-wing factions within his base, particularly regarding the immigration of highly qualified individuals, a stance supported by his advisers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

In a phone interview with the New York Post on Saturday, Trump expressed his unwavering support for the programme. He emphasized that he has always valued the H-1B system, stating that it is integral to the nation’s economy and competitiveness. Trump noted that he has personally benefited from the programme, using H-1B visa holders across his properties.

“I’ve always believed in H-1B visas,” Trump said during the interview, adding that he had utilized the programme extensively in his businesses. He called it a "great programme" and reiterated his stance that it serves an important purpose in the United States.

Trump has also advocated for reforming the immigration system to prioritize merit-based criteria. He supports adopting a points-based system, similar to those used in Canada and Australia, to reward academic and professional qualifications. He has consistently called for green cards to be issued to foreign students graduating from US universities, a policy he reiterated during his presidential campaign, proposing that students should receive green cards as part of their diplomas.

The debate over H-1B visas recently intensified within Trump’s support base following his appointment of Indian immigrant Sriram Krishnan as his artificial intelligence adviser. This move sparked backlash from the far-right faction of Trump’s loyalists, notably Laura Loomer, a prominent figure in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Loomer publicly criticized the appointment, accusing Krishnan of advocating for unrestricted green cards.

David Sacks, Trump’s appointee as the Crypto and AI Czar and Krishnan’s direct supervisor, clarified the position on X (formerly Twitter). Sacks explained that Krishnan had only suggested redistributing unused green cards to individuals stuck in long backlogs while maintaining overall limits. Despite his clarification, personal attacks and false accusations against Krishnan persisted.

Sacks continued to defend Krishnan, emphasizing that the criticisms were baseless and unfair. Musk also weighed in, highlighting the critical role of H-1B visa holders in driving innovation. He pointed out that many individuals who contributed to the success of SpaceX, Tesla, and other leading companies were H-1B visa recipients. Musk warned that the US risks losing its competitive edge if it fails to attract top global talent, emphasizing the permanent shortage of engineering expertise in Silicon Valley.

“There is a shortage of excellent engineering talent globally, and if the US forces this talent to work elsewhere, it will lose its edge,” Musk stated.

Ramaswamy also defended the programme, attributing US corporations’ reliance on foreign talent to a cultural decline in valuing excellence. He argued that the veneration of mediocrity over merit has contributed to this trend, noting that American culture often celebrates sports and entertainment achievements more than scientific and technological advancements.

The debate reached a boiling point as some far-right critics launched personal attacks on visa holders and their advocates. Musk responded sharply to one critic, warning that he would fight vigorously to protect the programme, underscoring its importance for the country’s future.

The controversy also highlighted the broader political divide surrounding H-1B visas. While MAGA-right factions oppose the programme on nationalist grounds, some voices on the Democratic left argue against it on economic grounds, claiming that it depresses wages for American-born workers.

Indians remain the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B programme, receiving 72.3 percent of all such visas issued last year. Despite the heated opposition, Trump’s vocal endorsement of the programme underscores his commitment to maintaining a merit-based immigration system that fosters innovation and growth in the United States.

With IANS inputs