President-elect Donald Trump has come out in favor of the H-1B visa program for highly skilled nonimmigrant workers, dispelling any doubts about his past opposition. In an exclusive interview with The New York Post, Trump stated, “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them.” He further expressed support for the program, saying, “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 statement comes amidst an ongoing online clash over the issue, sparked by Trump’s announcement of Sriram Krishnan as his Senior Policy Adviser for Artificial Intelligence. Krishnan, an Indian-born U.S. citizen, has a successful career in the tech industry and has been a strong advocate for the H-1B program.
However, not everyone is in agreement with Trump’s support of the program. Internet personality Laura Loomer called Krishnan’s appointment “deeply disturbing” and accused him of censoring her on X. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon also chimed in, calling Krishnan a “toddler” and questioning his mental stability.
Despite these dissenting voices, individuals like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have been appointed by Trump to the Department of Government Efficiency, continue to support the H-1B program. They argue that without it, the U.S. could lose out on valuable talent, emphasizing the need to prioritize merit-based immigration.
The liberal media has also been quick to criticize Trump’s apparent change of heart on the H-1B program. However, it is important to note that Trump has always been in favor of the visas, and has used them himself in the past. It is clear that his support for the program stems from a deep understanding of its benefits for the U.S. economy.
Despite the backlash, Trump stands firm in his belief that the H-1B program is a positive asset for the country, and that it should continue to prioritize highly skilled individuals. As he takes office, it will be interesting to see how his support for the program translates into policy changes.