A day after US President Donald Trump defended the use of H-1B visas, stressing the need to “bring in the talents,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the country will keep using visa programmes, but with stronger oversight.

Noem said the government has sped up visa and green card processes. She also said more people are becoming US citizens now than before, and that the administration is trying to make sure only the right people get in. During the conversation, Noem laid out three criteria for people to follow if they are aiming for H-1B visas or green cards, which she said could not be compromised.

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Key rules for H-1B, Green Card holders 

Noem said H-1B visa holders must meet certain important rules. She listed the checks the government will use, including that the people applying must not support terrorist groups. They must be coming for the right reasons, to work and live legally. They must not back groups that hate America. Speaking to Fox News, Noem said,  “We’re going to keep using our visa programmes. We just want to make sure they have integrity — that the people coming here are doing it for the right reasons, that they’re not linked to terrorist groups or organisations that hate America.”

According to Noem, contrary to people’s beliefs, the US has “sped up” visa and green card processes. It is now working more efficiently and transparently. According to her, more foreign-born residents are now becoming naturalised US citizens than ever before. “And that’s what’s so remarkable,” she said. “We’re not just streamlining the process — we’re also making sure that those who get this privilege are here for the right reasons.”

Slamming the Biden administration and accusing it of having “opened the Southern border” and allowing “thousands of terrorists” into the US, she said, “They abused asylum and visa programmes, and we fixed all of that.” Noem added that President Trump’s leadership had restored order. “It’s remarkable what President Trump has done… he’s a great leader, a visionary, and will go down as one of the greatest presidents in history.”

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Trump’s U-turn on H-1B visa 

Earlier in a Fox News interview, Trump surprised many by changing his tone on H-1B visas. He admitted that the US does not have enough special skills for some jobs in manufacturing and defence. Trump said the country needs skilled foreign workers for these roles and for universities.

When the host argued that “we have plenty of talent,” Trump disagreed. “No, you don’t. You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘I’m going to put you in a factory to make missiles.’ It doesn’t work that way,” he said.

In mid-September, the administration announced a one-time fee of $100,000 for some employers filing new H-1B petitions and subsequently launched Project Firewall to crack down on visa abuse by the employers. 

Indian workers, especially in the tech and healthcare sectors, continue to be among the largest groups benefiting from the H-1B programme, with over 70% of visa holders coming from the country itself. Employers looking to hire foreign talent may face higher costs due to the new fee and could also see stricter checks and more inspections. Foreign workers will still be able to come, but they will have to meet tighter vetting rules.