trump-backs-h-1b-visas-but-only-for-the-best-people

US President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the H-1B visa programme during a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, highlighting the necessity of “competent people” across various industries.

 

While addressing the contentious debate surrounding the visa policy, Trump stated, “I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do. I don't want to stop…”

 

The event, attended by prominent figures including Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, provided Trump with a platform to clarify his stance.

 

He noted the programme’s scope extends beyond the tech sector, encompassing other professions such as maître d's, wine experts, and high-quality waitstaff.

 

“We want competent people coming into our country. And H-1B, I know the programme very well. I use the programme. Maître d', wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters, you've got to get the best people,” Trump remarked, adding that industries like NASA and companies led by individuals such as Larry Ellison require engineers of the highest calibre.

 

The H-1B visa programme has long been a polarising issue, even within Trump’s support base.

 

While figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorse the initiative for bringing in highly qualified professionals, critics argue that it displaces American workers.

 

“So, we have to have quality people coming in. Now by doing that, we're expanding businesses, and that takes care of everybody,” Trump further elaborated.

 

However, the President’s stance on birthright citizenship starkly contrasts his openness towards the H-1B visa.

 

On his first day of the second term, Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which abolished automatic citizenship for children born on US soil unless at least one parent is an American citizen or a green card holder.

 

This decision is set to impact children born in the United States to individuals holding temporary visa statuses, including H-1B visa holders. The new policy will come into effect for all children born after 20 February.