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In a recent joint news conference at the White House, US President Donald Trump expressed his support for the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the need for "very competent people" across various professions, not just in engineering. Speaking alongside notable tech leaders such as Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Trump acknowledged the ongoing debate surrounding the visa system.
"I like both sides of the argument," Trump stated, highlighting his belief that skilled individuals should be welcomed into the country to help train and support others who may not possess the same qualifications. He stressed that this applies to all levels of expertise, reinforcing his stance on the importance of attracting talent to drive economic growth.
The H-1B visa program has been a contentious issue within Trump's support base. While tech industry advocates like Elon Musk argue for its necessity in recruiting qualified professionals, others contend that it undermines job opportunities for American workers.
During the conference, Trump elaborated on his familiarity with the H-1B program, mentioning its application beyond tech roles to include positions like high-quality waiters and other skilled professions. He reiterated that allowing competent individuals to enter the US through this program benefits businesses and creates opportunities for everyone.
As discussions continue regarding immigration policies and their impact on skilled labor in the US, Trump's comments reflect a nuanced approach to balancing economic needs with domestic workforce concerns.