US President-elect Donald Trump has voiced his support for the H-1B visa program, aligning with billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk. Despite some of his supporters opposing the program, Trump showed his support during an interview with the New York Post, stressing its value for employing skilled foreign workers. ‘’I have many H-1 B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program, ‘’Trump stated.
Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has expressed his support for the program. Under this scheme, companies are allowed to recruit foreign professionals in specialized fields. Musk, who is originally from South Africa, is a US citizen who once had a H-1B visa himself. His company Tesla has acquired 724 H-1B visas this year, emphasising the program’s significance in the tech industry.
The debate escalated when far-right activists criticised Trump’s decision to appoint Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, as an artificial adviser. Critics believe that Krishnan’s role may impact the administration’s immigration policies. Musk discussed these concerns on social media by defending the differentiation between legal and non-legal immigration and pledged to protect the H-1 B visa program.
A close associate of Trump, Steve Bannon further escalated the matter blaming ‘’big tech oligarchs’’ for giving preferences to the immigration policies that harm American workers. However, Musk and other leaders stated that the H-1B program is for addressing a critical talent shortage issue in the US tech sector.
Role of H-1B visa in US Tech Industry
The H-1B visa program continues to be crucial for the US tech industry, permitting companies to hire skilled professionals for designation that domestic talent is not able to fill in. As per critics’ views, the program cut down the wages of American workers. On the other hand, those who are advocating it highlight its significance in maintaining the country’s competitive edge.
As per a Reuters report, Musk has allegedly spent more than $250 million to back Trump’s election campaign. He continues to maintain his stance that there is a shortage of homegrown talent for major roles in American tech firms.
The debate underlined the significance of Trump’s commitment to shielding American jobs and the dependency of tech giants on skilled foreign workers.
(With inputs from Reuters)