Trump Shifts Stance on Skilled Immigration, H-1B Visas Amid Restrictive Measures
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US President Donald Trump has taken a surprising turn in his stance on skilled immigration, arguing that the US needs to bring in foreign talent to fill specialized positions. This shift comes despite his administration's efforts to restrict access to the coveted H-1B visa program. In a recent TV interview, Trump emphasized the need for skilled immigration, stating that the US lacks sufficient domestic talent to fill key roles. Trump's comments contradict his administration's previous stance, which has sought to restrict H-1B visas by introducing a $100,000 application fee and cracking down on 'systemic abuse' of the program. The administration claimed that the visa system posed a 'national security threat,' but Trump's recent remarks suggest a change in tone. Indian professionals, who have historically relied on H-1B visas to work in the US and eventually gain permanent residency, will be watching closely. Over 70% of approved H-1B petitions have gone to Indian nationals, making them disproportionately affected by any changes to the program. The US government is considering further changes to the H-1B visa program, including increasing wage eligibility levels for foreign workers and prioritizing highly paid professionals in the visa lottery. These changes would make it more difficult for entry-level workers, including recent college graduates, to gain sponsorship for an H-1B visa. Prominent US politicians have criticized the H-1B program in the past, and some have gone as far as to ban the use of H-1B visas in their states. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the Senate to further restrict access to the visa program. Trump's statement on the need for skilled immigration marks a significant shift in tone for his administration. He also distanced himself from a recent immigration raid that detained hundreds of South Korean workers in Georgia. The administration has since clarified that foreign students switching from an F1 student visa to an H-1B visa will not be subject to the new $100,000 application fee.
