Trump endorses H-1B Visa Program amidst MAGA controversy over tech workers

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to temporarily hire non-U.S. citizens for highly skilled jobs, despite recent tensions among his MAGA allies over the issue. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump emphasized his longstanding endorsement of the program.

“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,” Trump stated, reaffirming his approval of the visa program which he claims has been beneficial to his businesses.

The Trump administration, during his first term, had attempted to implement rules that would significantly reduce the number of H-1B visas issued annually. However, these rules were ultimately overturned in court.

Recently, the MAGA community has been divided over the H-1B visa program. One faction argues that it benefits the country by bringing in highly skilled workers, while another believes it allows foreigners to take jobs from Americans.

Prominent Trump allies, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have publicly defended the visa program. Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, highlighted the program’s importance in attracting talented engineers to the U.S. He credited the H-1B visa program for bringing in the talent needed to build companies like SpaceX and Tesla.

Musk expressed his frustration on social media, saying, “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low,” and called for the removal of “those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists.”

Ramaswamy, who is collaborating with Musk to lead Trump’s nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, also defended the H-1B program. He suggested reforms to ensure it selects only the best candidates and eliminates bureaucratic hurdles.

Opponents of the H-1B visa program within the Republican Party, including Laura Loomer, Steve Bannon, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, argue that it undermines American workers. Haley criticized the tech industry for relying on foreign workers, urging investment in the American workforce instead.

Amidst these debates, Musk faced backlash for allegedly censoring critics. Over a dozen conservatives, including Loomer, claimed their blue badge verification on X was revoked after they criticized Musk’s stance on immigration.

The ongoing dispute highlights the growing divide within the MAGA movement over immigration policies, with Trump and his prominent supporters advocating for the benefits of the H-1B visa program, while others push for prioritizing American workers.