President-elect Donald Trump has publicly aligned with tech billionaire Elon Musk in support of the H-1B visa program, stirring discussions on immigration policies in the United States.
After Musk’s emphatic social media posts on Friday, where he vowed to “go to war” to defend the visa program for foreign tech workers, Trump expressed his backing. Speaking to The New York Post on Saturday, Trump stated, “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.”
This stance marks a notable position from Trump, who during his first presidency moved to limit the use of H-1B visas. The program allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, crucial for the tech industry.
The issue intensified earlier this week when far-right activists criticized Trump’s choice of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American venture capitalist, as an adviser on artificial intelligence. Critics voiced concerns over potential impacts on immigration policies.
Musk, originally from South Africa and a naturalized U.S. citizen, previously held an H-1B visa himself. His company, Tesla, secured 724 H-1B visas this year alone. The program is vital for tech giants seeking specialized talent from around the world.
Opposition figures like Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, have attacked the H-1B program, framing immigration as a threat to Western civilization. In response, Musk and other tech leaders have emphasized the distinction between legal and illegal immigration, highlighting the importance of skilled immigrants to the U.S. economy.
Trump’s support for the H-1B program signals a potential shift in immigration policy as debates continue over the role of foreign workers and the nation’s approach to immigration.
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Trump sides with Elon Musk in H-1B visa program, triggering debate
cgtn.com
