Trump backs Elon Musk in H-1B visa controversy

(CLO) On December 28, US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for billionaire Elon Musk in the public debate over the H-1B visa - a program for foreign high-tech workers, which is opposed by some Trump supporters.

Responding to The New York Post on December 28, Mr. Trump affirmed: "I always believe in the H-1B program. I have used it many times at my businesses. This is a great program."

This marks a shift in his stance from his first term as president, when he restricted the use of H-1B visas to prioritize American workers.

The H-1B visa program allows US companies to hire highly skilled workers from abroad. Photo: Saurabh Verma

Billionaire Elon Musk has previously spoken out strongly on social media, pledging to "fight" to protect the program. Musk, who was an H-1B visa holder before becoming a US citizen, said his company Tesla had received 724 H-1B visas this year. He stressed that the US lacks human resources in the technology industry, forcing it to look abroad for talent.

The controversy began when Mr. Trump appointed Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-born venture capitalist, as an adviser on artificial intelligence. The decision was criticized by right-wing activists who said Krishnan would influence the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, also spoke out against it, calling tech billionaires who support H-1B visas “big oligarchs” and calling immigration a threat to Western civilization.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled workers from abroad, typically for three years, which can be renewed or converted to a green card. The tech industry relies heavily on this workforce to fill positions that are not available domestically.

However, critics say the program reduces American workers' wages and increases unfair competition.

Musk, who donated more than $250 million to Trump during the election, is playing a key role in the transition, but his support for foreign workers is stirring up resentment among some who want tighter immigration policies.

Cao Phong (according to NBC, Nypost, Forbes)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-donald-trump-ung-ho-ty-phu-elon-musk-ve-visa-lao-dong-nuoc-ngoai-h-1b-post328014.html