Newly-elected US President Donald Trump has taken his oath of office and hit the ground running with several major decisions right on day one. On Tuesday, Trump expressed his approval for both sides of the H-1B visa issue. He emphasized his admiration for skilled individuals who come to work in the country.
Trump remarked, 'I'm not just talking about engineers. I'm speaking about individuals at all levels who come here to work according to their qualifications. This is not restricted to people with only specific skill sets.'
Musk Supports H-1B Visa
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a member of the Trump administration, supports the H-1B visa program as it promotes qualified and technical professionals. However, some Trump supporters argue it takes jobs away from Americans. Indeed, H-1B visa holders in the US often earn higher salaries for similar roles than in their home countries, leading to claims of financial detriment if opportunities are missed.
The H-1B Program Brings Skilled Professionals
During the ongoing debate about the H-1B visa, Trump responded to a question saying that they want competent people to come to the country. Skilled workers come under the H-1B program, making significant contributions across various sectors. Trump noted examples including engineers and skilled waiters, highlighting the diverse expertise H-1B visas bring.
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa in the US. Those working in America are required to obtain an H-1B visa. This has occasionally sparked objections from American citizens, who argue it creates employment challenges for them.