President Trump Backtracks on H-1B Visa Policy
US President Donald Trump has now changed his tune over H-1B visa reforms. He said the US needed talented foreign professionals to take up critical jobs in all sectors. Trump was aware of the fact that local workers may not be talented to handle special positions at all times. He also said American employees should learn something from seasoned foreign workers. As per Trump, untrained and jobless Americans cannot assume critical responsibilities in manufacturing and defense sectors before training. Trump made these comments during an interview with Fox News.
Need for Specialized Skills in Key Industries
He referred to the recent case in Georgia where a defense factory laid off hundreds of foreign workers and, ever since then, the factory has not been able to keep up the production pace because of the lack of specialized talent. Trump favored increases in American workers' wages but underlined the need for foreign professionals in maintaining technological and industrial advancement. He said the South Korean workers, for one, have shown immense expertise in the manufacture of batteries. Trump went further to say that these industries require technical expertise, and untrained or long-time unemployed workers cannot meet their production requirements.
Policy Direction Change and Public Reaction
Observers said Trump's softer approach toward the policy on H-1B visas is a marked departure from his decisions at the start of his second term. The softer rhetoric comes as the administration faces criticism for its strict immigration rules and amid pressure from lawmakers to ease restrictions on skilled foreign labor.
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