During a press conference at the White House, US President Donald Trump stated his support for the H-1B foreign guest workers’ visa program, emphasising the importance of bringing “competent people” into the country. Trump remarked that he appreciates both sides of the debate but values the contribution of skilled professionals to various industries, including technology and hospitality. He stressed that the program is essential not only for tech companies but also for professions like maître d’s, wine experts, and waiters. The event featured notable attendees such as Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Divergent Views on the H-1B Program
Trump acknowledged the divisive opinions surrounding the H-1B visa within his support base. While some prominent figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorse the program to attract top-tier talent, others argue it leads to job losses for American citizens. Trump asserted that allowing qualified professionals into the country fosters business expansion, ultimately benefiting the broader economy. He reassured that the program’s objective is to maintain a high standard of workforce expertise, which is crucial for industries such as NASA and major tech firms.
Birthright Citizenship Policy Change
In contrast to his support for skilled immigration, Trump implemented a significant policy shift by revoking birthright citizenship through an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” Under the new directive, only children born to at least one American citizen or green card holder will be granted US citizenship. This policy, effective from February 20, impacts individuals on temporary visas, including H-1B holders. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for families and foreign workers residing in the United States.
