WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump defended the H-1B visa program in a Fox News interview Monday, asserting that the United States lacks a sufficient domestic talent pool to fill available jobs. The remarks represent a shift from his administration’s previous efforts to restrict the program, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
The H-1B visa, valid for three years with potential for a three-year renewal, has long been a point of contention in immigration debates. While economists argue it bolsters US competitiveness and job creation, critics contend it undercuts American workers. trump’s recent comments come as the program faces ongoing scrutiny and potential changes under the current administration. In September 2020, Trump signed an executive action imposing a $100,000 request fee for H-1B visas, part of a broader effort to limit immigration.
During the interview, Trump also contrasted Chinese students with their French counterparts, stating, “I actually think it’s good to have outside countries.” When Fox News host Laura Ingraham suggested Chinese students engage in espionage and intellectual property theft,Trump questioned whether France was superior,responding to Ingraham’s affirmative answer with,”I’m not so sure.”
“They’re not the French. They’re the Chinese. They spy on us. They steal our intellectual property,” Ingraham stated.
