Donald Trump Supports H1B Visa Program, Says, ‘Need for Competent People’
In a notable statement on immigration policy, former US President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the H1B visa program, emphasizing the importance of attracting skilled professionals to the United States. Speaking at a joint news conference alongside Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Trump highlighted the need for “very competent people” across all industries.
During the discussion, Trump remarked, “I like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping others who may not have the same qualifications. But I don’t want to stop this – and I’m not just talking about engineers. We need top talent at every level, from maître d’s to engineers.” This statement underscores his belief in maintaining a high standard in immigration policies to fuel the country’s economic and technological growth.
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H1B Visa : A Tool for Talent Acquisition
Trump, who is familiar with the H1B program, acknowledged its importance in providing access to global talent. Referencing industry leaders like Larry Ellison and Masayoshi Son, he stated, “People like Larry and Masa need engineers like nobody’s ever needed them.” The sentiment was echoed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who praised the program for enabling companies like SpaceX and Tesla to thrive with qualified professionals.
While supporting the H1B program, Trump also acknowledged challenges in the broader immigration landscape. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton commented on the gridlock within the legal immigration system, stating that reform is “politically difficult but necessary.” He highlighted the need for a system that welcomes additional skilled immigrants, describing them as a “source of strength” for the United States.
Trump’s remarks reflect a balanced approach, advocating for quality immigration that benefits both employers and the nation’s economy. By emphasizing the importance of skilled workers, the former president aligns with industry leaders who view the H1B visa program as vital to maintaining America’s competitive edge.