U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his previously strict position on the H-1B visa policy, acknowledging the importance of skilled foreign professionals for the American economy. According to international media reports, Trump defended the role of foreign talent in a recent interview, describing the H-1B program as essential for sectors facing acute shortages of qualified local workers, including technology, manufacturing and defense. The remarks come at a time when his administration has introduced new restrictions on the visa category, creating challenges for U.S. companies.
During the interview, Trump was questioned about the tightened rules imposed on H-1B holders. He responded by stating that the United States urgently needs skilled foreign workers in several specialized fields. Trump argued that unemployed Americans cannot be placed into highly technical roles in complex industries without substantial training, highlighting the gap that skilled immigration continues to fill.
Despite the softened tone, the administration is still considering additional conditions such as higher wage requirements and adjustments to the lottery system. The Department of Labor has been directed to reform the H-1B program to favor what Trump described as the “best of the best,” meaning applicants with advanced skills rather than lower-wage workers. This approach aims to prioritize talent that can immediately contribute to national economic and technological needs.
Officials defending the new rules said the H-1B system has been misused in the past, with some companies allegedly replacing local employees with cheaper foreign workers. However, Trump’s recent defense of the program suggests a shift toward balancing protections for American workers with continued access to global expertise. Policymakers believe that meaningful reforms can strengthen the U.S. economy without undermining opportunities for domestic professionals.
Analysts view Trump’s repositioning as a significant development that acknowledges the strategic importance of the H-1B visa for innovation and global competitiveness. Businesses dependent on high-skill talent are likely to welcome the change in tone, hoping it signals a more predictable pathway for hiring overseas specialists. A transparent and balanced H-1B framework, experts say, will be vital for sustaining America’s leadership in industries that rely on top-tier global talent.
