Trump said "we need a lot of people coming in"
Donald Trump ended 2024 alongside Elon Musk, highlighting an ongoing divide within his MAGA coalition over skilled immigration policies, particularly the H-1B visa program. Despite his allies’ criticism of the system, Trump struck a notably different tone, signaling a shift in his stance.
When asked about his support for H-1B visas, Trump emphasized the need for attracting talent to the U.S. “We need competent people,” he said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. “We need smart people coming into our country. We need a lot of people coming in. We’re going to have jobs like we’ve never had before.”
The president-elect’s remarks came amid a broader feud within his base over the role of skilled immigrants, particularly in tech industries. The controversy reignited following the Dec. 22 announcement of venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as Trump’s incoming senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence. This move drew backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Laura Loomer, who criticized the growing influence of “tech bros” with more permissive views on immigration.
Loomer and others targeted the H-1B visa system, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers when American talent is unavailable. Critics of the program, some employing racially charged rhetoric, pointed to the significant number of Indian tech workers benefiting from the visas.
Defending the system, Musk and co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency Vivek Ramaswamy voiced their support for H-1B visas, which bring approximately 65,000 skilled workers to the U.S. annually. Musk highlighted the value of the program to the tech industry, emphasizing its role in driving innovation and growth.
Trump’s evolving stance has sparked internal debate among his allies. While Trump reaffirmed his belief in the importance of skilled immigration, some MAGA diehards continued to express frustration over what they perceive as a dilution of the movement’s stance on protecting American jobs.
The issue is further complicated by Trump’s broader immigration rhetoric. On New Year’s Eve, Trump suggested a migrant may have been responsible for a car attack in New Orleans that killed 10 people, though authorities later identified the suspect as a U.S. citizen.
In the midst of these controversies, Trump is also focused on bolstering Republican unity ahead of key congressional votes. As the January 3 election for House Speaker looms, he has been making calls to support current Speaker Mike Johnson, whose slim majority leaves little room for GOP defections.
Trump’s actions and statements, from immigration to legislative priorities, continue to highlight the balancing act he faces between maintaining his base’s support and navigating complex policy issues as he prepares for his second term in office.