President Donald Trump said that he was on “both sides” of the H-1B argument but what he really wants to do is expand the categories of people coming to the US under the programme to include maitre d’, wine experts and high-quality waiters. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs when local talent is unavailable. However, some Republicans, including members of Trump’s administration, have criticized the program, claiming it has been misused to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
During a news briefing, Trump said, “I understand both sides, but I support bringing highly skilled people to our country, even if they need to train others who lack their expertise.” He added that his vision wasn’t limited to engineers but included top talent across all professions, including roles in hospitality, to ensure the U.S. gets the best people for the job.
“But I don’t want to stop. And I’m not just talking about engineers,” he continued.
“I’m talking about people at all levels. … Maitre D’s, wine, you know, experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters. You got to get the best people now.”
Most H-1B visas issued in the U.S. are for engineering positions. During an event for the launch of an AI initiative in healthcare, former President Donald Trump addressed this, referencing prominent figures like Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; and Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, all of whom were present.
“We want competent people coming into our country. And H-1B, I know the programme very well. I use the programme. Maître d’, wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters, you’ve got to get the best people. People like Larry, he needs engineers, NASA also needs… engineers like nobody’s ever needed them,” Trump said.
Trump emphasized that bringing skilled professionals to the U.S. through the H-1B program helps businesses grow, benefiting everyone in the process. He acknowledged being torn on the debate but firmly believed that “we have to allow highly skilled, competent people to come into our country.”
The U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually to foreign workers, including international students at U.S. universities. A significant number of these visas are granted to Indian nationals.
Birth right citizenship and H-1B
On the first day of his second term, Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which eliminated birthright citizenship in the United States. Under this order, children born in the U.S. will only receive citizenship if at least one parent is an American citizen or a green card holder.
The order will ensure that children born in the US—without at least one parent who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident—are no longer extended automatic US citizenship. It also stops federal agencies from issuing or recognising relevant documentation proving US citizenship for such children. The order targets children born to both unauthorised immigrants and people who are legally in the US on temporary visas.
This decision has significant implications for those with temporary visa status, including H-1B visa holders. The new policy applies to all children born in the U.S. starting February 20.
What is an H-1B visa and who is eligible for it?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for foreign workers employed in specialized fields in the United States, primarily within the tech industry. Common roles that qualify for this visa include software engineers, tech program managers, and other IT-related positions. To be eligible, applicants must possess advanced skills and professional-level knowledge in their respective fields.
This visa has played a crucial role in enabling Indian professionals to excel in industries like information technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
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