WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier strict position on the H-1B visa program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to take jobs in the United States.
In an interview, he stressed the importance of foreign talent for certain critical industries, explaining that America requires experts in fields such as manufacturing and defense, where many American workers lack sufficient training or specialized skills.
Trump highlighted that the country faces a significant shortage of skilled professionals, and that some abilities are not widely available among U.S. citizens.
This statement comes even as his administration has been enforcing a stricter crackdown on the H-1B program, which is a key resource for technology companies to employ foreign specialists.
Earlier, Trump had introduced a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas and proposed additional restrictions to make the process more challenging.
However, his recent comments reveal a softer approach, acknowledging the essential role of skilled foreign workers in maintaining the country’s competitive edge in crucial sectors.