Trump surprises many by softening stance on H-1B visas

In a surprising turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump has eased up on his previously hardline stance against immigration, particularly concerning the popular H-1B visa program. 

Known for his tough approach to immigration, Trump had made it clear during his first term that he wanted to limit the number of H-1B visas being issued. 

He had promised to put a stop to illegal immigration and even suggested that he would remove all undocumented immigrants from the U.S.

Additionally, Trump had vowed to reduce immigration to create more job opportunities for American citizens.

But recently, Trump has shown a softer side toward the H-1B visa. In the midst of heated discussions, he revealed that he has always been in favor of the H-1B visa program and continues to support it.

The H-1B visa is the go-to option for skilled foreign workers looking to secure jobs in the U.S. Employers can apply for the visa on behalf of workers in fields like IT, finance, medicine, and architecture. 

Typically granted for three years, the visa can be extended, and holders may also apply for a green card. For many, this visa offers a path to permanent residency in the U.S., making it highly attractive to foreign nationals.

Since the H-1B visa program was launched in 1991, nearly 600,000 people have entered the U.S. under the program, with 70% of them coming from India.

The debate surrounding the H-1B visa gained even more attention recently when tech billionaire Elon Musk entered the conversation. 

Known for his slogan, "Make America Great Again," Trump and Musk have been strong allies. Musk has even backed Trump financially and supported his campaign efforts during his presidency. But after the elections, tensions between the two began to rise.

Musk, originally from South Africa, had entered the U.S. on an H-1B visa himself and later became a U.S. citizen. 

His company, Tesla, continues to hire foreign workers through the H-1B program. In fact, 724 Tesla employees were granted H-1B visas to work in the U.S. in 2024.

The situation reached a boiling point after Trump appointed Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American, as Senior Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence at the White House. 

Krishnan, who has been vocal about granting green cards to skilled immigrants, became a focal point in the debate. Social media exploded with reactions, and the H-1B visa issue once again took center stage.

Musk, however, voiced strong support for the program, telling Trump, “If you want your team to be champions, you have to hire the best talent.” This statement was in direct contrast to Trump’s previous views, leading to growing tension between their camps.

In response to the criticism and shifting public opinion, Trump decided to soften his tone. He recently said, “I have many H-1B visas on my property. I believe in the H-1B visa. I have used it many times. It is a very good program.”

This unexpected shift has left many people wondering what lies ahead for the H-1B visa program and whether Trump’s views will continue to evolve.