The elected president Donald Trump has expressed its support for H-1B visa programan initiative that allows American companies to hire highly qualified foreign workers.
As reported ReutersTrump declared in an interview with The New York Post: “I have been a believer in H-1B visas. I use them many times. It’s a great program.”. This support comes amid growing criticism within conservative sectors that oppose this type of immigration policies.
Elon MuskCEO of Tesla y SpaceXhas also publicly expressed its support for this program. Musk, who was born in South Africa and later obtained US citizenship, was a beneficiary of an H-1B visa during his first years in the country.
Reuters reported that Musk promised on social networks to start a “war” to defend this scheme against criticism from anti-immigration sectors. This year, Tesla has obtained 724 H-1B visasreflecting the importance of the program to the technology industry, according to records cited by Reuters.
The controversy over H-1B visas intensified after the designation of Sriram Krishnanan advisor of Indian origin specialized in artificial intelligence, as a consultant in Trump’s political environment.
This appointment generated adverse reactions among some right-wing sectors, who suggested that Krishnan could influence the immigration policies of a future Trump administration. Musk responded to these criticisms by differentiating between “legal immigration and immigration,” as he noted. Reuters.
Trump’s stance has generated divisions within his support base, where some sectors see H-1B visas as a threat to American workers. Steve Bannonformer Trump advisor and leading figure on the populist right, has openly condemned this program.
In statements collected by ReutersBannon stated that immigration, even in legal forms such as H-1B visas, represents “a threat to Western civilization.” Bannon has criticized “tech oligarchs,” arguing that their support for these policies hurts local workers.
On the contrary, Musk and other technology sector leaders defend that the program is essential for the American economy. Musk stressed that The lack of trained local talent limits the growth and competitiveness of technology companies.. “The lack of trained local labor restricts our innovation potential,” Musk commented, according to Reuters.
During his presidency, Trump pushed restrictions on the H-1B visa program as part of their immigration policies. However, in his most recent statements, the former president has qualified his position, highlighting that visas have been a useful tool in his own companies in the real estate and hotel sectors. “I have frequently used this program in my businesses,” Trump explained, according to Reuters.
The debate over H-1B visas reflects an internal struggle in the conservative movement that supports Trump. While some advocate for more severe immigration restrictions, others consider that access to foreign talent is vital to maintain competitivenessespecially in the technological field. According to Reutersbusiness leaders see the program as a legitimate way to drive innovation without negatively affecting local workers.
Musk’s support for Trump extends beyond immigration policy. Reuters He noted that Musk has invested more than $250 million in the Trump campaign and has actively participated in discussions about the presidential transition and advice in key areas.
Trump’s support for the H-1B program also highlights tensions between promises of tough immigration measures and the need to collaborate with the business sector.
Musk has reiterated that the United States must attract the best talent in the world to continue leading global innovation. “We rely on our legal immigration processes to bring in the best talent in the world and keep our companies at the forefront of innovation,” Musk said on his social media, according to the news agency.
The future of H-1B visas will continue to be a central issue on the political agenda, especially now that Trump is returning to the presidency. Decisions around this program could have significant implications for sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence, where demand for specialized talent continues to grow.
