President-elect Donald Trump has voiced his support for the H-1B visa program, aligning himself with billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk in a public dispute over its significance.
The position marks a departure from the views of some of Trump’s own supporters who oppose the program.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles requiring unique expertise. It is the largest guest-worker visa category in the U.S., typically granted for three years with options for renewal or transition to permanent residency. While critics argue the program undermines wages for American workers, proponents highlight its importance in addressing talent shortages in critical industries.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after Musk publicly defended the visa program, declaring he would “go to war” to protect its role in supporting foreign tech workers. Musk, whose company Tesla secured 724 H-1B visas this year, has often emphasized the need for skilled immigrants to fill gaps in the U.S. tech sector.
Notably, Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, has personally benefited from the program earlier in his career. His advocacy for the H-1B visa aligns with his broader efforts to shape policy discussions during Trump’s transition, particularly in the areas of technology and innovation.
In an interview with The New York Post on Saturday, Trump expressed his endorsement of the program:
“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,” he said.
The debate intensified after far-right activists criticized Trump’s appointment of Indian American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence. Critics argued that Krishnan could influence immigration policy in favor of expanding skilled-worker programs.
During his first term, Trump sought to limit the use of H-1B visas as part of a broader crackdown on immigration. However, his recent statements indicate a shift, especially in light of Musk’s vocal support and significant contributions to his campaign.
Trump’s renewed backing for the H-1B program has sparked division among his supporters. Steve Bannon, a long-time confidante, criticized tech leaders like Musk for their support of immigration policies, describing them as a threat to “Western civilization.”
Musk and other tech executives have countered by distinguishing between legal immigration, such as the H-1B program, and illegal immigration. They argue that skilled immigrants are vital for sustaining the U.S. economy and ensuring the global competitiveness of American industries.
While Trump has pledged to crack down on illegal immigration, deport undocumented immigrants, and impose tariffs to create jobs for Americans, the H-1B visa issue underscores the nuanced challenges in balancing economic demands with the concerns of his political base.
As the debate over skilled-worker visas continues, tech leaders like Musk are likely to remain influential in shaping immigration policy during Trump’s presidency.
