US President-elect Donald Trump voiced his support for the H-1B visa program on Saturday, siding with Tesla CEO Elon Musk amidst escalating tensions within his political base. The program, which enables US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has sparked controversy among some of Trump’s supporters who advocate for stricter immigration policies.“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 told The New York Post.
The remarks follow Musk’s Friday pledge on social media to “go to war” in defense of the visa program, a response to criticisms from far-right activists. These activists had questioned Trump’s decision to appoint Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American venture capitalist, as an advisor on artificial intelligence, citing concerns over potential influence on immigration policies.
Divisions within Trump’s support base
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Trump’s endorsement of the H-1B program has ignited a rift among his supporters. Figures like Steve Bannon have criticized the tech sector’s reliance on foreign workers, alleging the program undercuts wages for Americans. Bannon described Musk as a “toddler” on the issue and called H-1B visa holders “indentured servants” exploited by big tech companies.
Musk, who previously held an H-1B visa and whose company Tesla obtained 724 of these visas this year, countered such criticisms, arguing that the program is essential to maintaining America’s competitive edge. “Luring elite engineering talent from abroad is essential for America to keep winning,” Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns.
Trump’s immigration plan
Trump’s stance on H-1B visas contrasts with his campaign promises to curb immigration and prioritize American jobs. While he has pledged to deport undocumented immigrants and impose tariffs to boost domestic employment, his recent comments suggest a nuanced view of legal immigration policies.The tech industry, heavily reliant on H-1B visa holders, has highlighted a shortage of highly skilled workers within the U.S. Musk and other industry leaders have argued that the visa program fills critical gaps in the workforce.
However, the divide within Trump’s camp underscores the challenges ahead as he prepares to assume office in January. Critics fear his alignment with tech leaders like Musk could signal a shift away from the hardline immigration policies that defined his campaign.
