Debate over the visa program has erupted on social media in recent days.
President-elect Donald Trump spoke favorably of H-1B visas for highly skilled workers in an interview with The New York Post on Dec. 28, appearing to align himself with Elon Musk in the ongoing heated debate over the issue.
“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump told the outlet in a telephone interview. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
The H-1B visa program allows up to 65,000 highly skilled foreign workers annually, plus 20,000 foreigners who obtained an advanced degree from a U.S. institution, to fill specialized roles in the U.S. workforce.
Musk, a former foreign student, initially gained U.S. work status through an H-1B visa and recently defended the program for helping drive innovation and economic growth in the United States. Critics have argued the program undermines domestic job opportunities and lowers wages.
In his first term, Trump implemented restrictions on foreign worker visas and expressed criticism of the program. However, his 2024 campaign hinted at a