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On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding the H-1B visa program, articulating his appreciation for both perspectives while emphasizing the necessity of welcoming highly skilled individuals into the nation. He remarked, “I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country.”
This statement was made during a joint press conference at the White House, featuring Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Trump underscored the importance of admitting proficient individuals across various professions, stating, “We want competent people coming into our country. And H-1B, I know the program very well. I use the program. Maître d', wine experts, even waiters, high-quality waiters—you've got to get the best people.”
The H-1B visa program, designed for highly skilled foreign nationals, has been a subject of contention within Trump's support base. While allies like Tesla CEO Elon Musk advocate for the program, highlighting its role in attracting qualified tech professionals, others argue that it displaces American workers.
Trump's remarks coincide with his administration's stringent immigration policies. On his first day back in office, he signed executive orders declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designating cartel organizations as foreign terrorist groups, and ending birthright citizenship.
In 2024, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported over 270,000 immigrants to 192 countries, including India, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014. Among those deported, 1,529 were Indians. Indians constitute the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., following Mexicans and Salvadorans, according to a 2024 Pew Research report.
The H-1B visa permits individuals to reside in the U.S. for up to six years, initially granted for three years with the possibility of a three-year extension. Applicants seeking an extension are advised against traveling outside the U.S. once they have filed their application.
The debate over the H-1B visa has intensified as the Trump administration reiterates its commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration. Despite the administration's hardline stance, Trump has expressed support for the H-1B program, stating, “We have to have quality people coming in… we have to let really competent people, great people, come into our country. And we do that through the H-1B program.”
In response to U.S. concerns about irregular migration, the Indian government plans to repatriate approximately 18,000 undocumented Indian immigrants from the U.S. This initiative aims to demonstrate India's cooperation on immigration issues and preserve access to H-1B visas for skilled Indian workers.
