Trump Defends H-1B Visa Program Says US Needs Foreign Talent

In a surprising shift in tone, US President Donald Trump defended the H-1B visa program, emphasizing that America needs foreign talent to fill crucial roles in industries like defense, technology, and engineering. His remarks come amid ongoing criticism of the visa system and his administration’s earlier decision to impose hefty application fees.

When asked about his administration’s immigration reforms, Trump acknowledged that while the US aims to prioritize American workers, certain specialized roles cannot be filled without skilled foreign professionals.

“You do have to bring in talent,” Trump said, addressing concerns about the country’s workforce readiness. “You don’t have certain talents… You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, we’re going to make missiles.”

The comments mark a notable change in tone from previous hardline stances that targeted visa-based employment, particularly the H-1B program widely used by Indian tech professionals.

According to recent data, Indian workers accounted for over 70 percent of approved H-1B visas in 2024, largely due to a backlog in approvals and the high number of skilled immigrants from India. The program allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as information technology, healthcare, and engineering.

However, Trump’s remarks arrive amid controversy. In September, his administration announced a $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas, sparking criticism from tech companies and global talent advocates. The fee was part of a broader immigration reform effort designed to “protect American jobs,” as officials described.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Labor recently launched 175 investigations into potential abuses of the H-1B visa system under an initiative known as Project Firewall. The probe aims to identify companies exploiting the program for cheap labor while bypassing qualified US workers.

Adding to the debate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed state universities to phase out H-1B visa holders, arguing that those roles should go to local residents. “Why are we bringing people in on H-1B visas when we can hire our own?” DeSantis said.

Despite growing political pressure, Trump’s recent comments suggest a more balanced and pragmatic approach. “We need people with very specific skills. America cannot lead the world in technology and defense without the best minds,” he said.

The H-1B visa debate continues to be a focal point in the 2025 political landscape, balancing the need for innovation with domestic job protection.