The approach is balanced and based on common sense”: White House backs Trump on H-1B visa

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The White House has defended Donald Trump’s views on the H-1B visa program, saying that the President’s approach is balanced and based on common sense. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump wants foreign workers to come only in the initial phase mainly when big companies set up new factories in the U.S. and need skilled support to start operations. But later, those jobs will be filled by American workers.

She added that many people misunderstood the President’s real intention. Trump has clearly told foreign companies that if they are investing in America, they must hire American workers. This statement comes just days after Trump openly supported legal immigration, saying he would welcome “thousands of people” from abroad to help train U.S. workers in technology-related industries.

Giving an example, Trump said that companies spending billions to build large computer chip factories in Arizona cannot simply pick people from the unemployment line and expect them to run advanced chip plants. They will need thousands of experts initially and he fully supports bringing them. According to him, this foreign workforce will help train Americans to make “computer chips and many other things.”

Trump also admitted that this approach might bring criticism from some of his supporters. Meanwhile, his comments have sparked a strong debate across the country, with several Republican leaders demanding the end of the H-1B program. Many lawmakers have opposed the new H-1B policy, and lawsuits have also been filed.

Earlier, the White House had informed IANS that the new $100,000 fee for H-1B applications is an important step to prevent system misuse. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers said that President Trump has done more than any modern-day President to tighten immigration laws and prioritize American workers.