Trump Supports H-1B Visa Program Despite Republican Opposition

Washington, Nov 18: US President Donald Trump has once again defended the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the need for skilled foreign workers to train Americans in critical industries, even as some Republican leaders push to end the program.

Speaking at the White House, Trump highlighted the semiconductor industry, saying, “If you are going to be making chips…we have to train our people how to make chips. We used to do it, and foolishly we lost that business to Taiwan.” He added that certain specialized skills cannot simply be filled by workers from unemployment lines.

Trump’s comments follow his previous endorsement of the program during an interview with Fox News, where he insisted that “you do have to bring in talent,” despite pushback from conservative leaders arguing that the US already has sufficient skilled workers.

The White House clarified its position on the H-1B policy, highlighting a $100,000 supplemental application fee designed to curb abuses of the system and ensure that American workers are prioritized. A spokesperson also cited the recently launched “Project Firewall,” an initiative by the Department of Labor to investigate companies violating H-1B regulations.

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban H-1B visas in most sectors, except healthcare, claiming the move would increase jobs and housing availability for Americans. Fellow Republican Andy Ogles also voiced support for ending the program.

The H-1B visa program has faced widespread legal challenges and opposition from lawmakers, including a letter sent to Trump in October by five US legislators urging reconsideration due to potential negative impacts on India-US relations. India-born workers received over 70% of H-1B visas approved in 2024, reflecting the high demand for skilled immigrants from the country.