Trump Supports H-1B Visa Program Amid Immigration Debate | Asian Hospitality

PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP joined billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk in supporting the H-1B visa program despite opposition from some of Trump’s base.
Meanwhile, hotel associations, including AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association are pushing to replace the 66,000 annual cap on H-2B visas with a
needs-based system.

Trump, who restricted H-1B visas during his first term, told The New York Post that he now supports the program.

“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he said.

Despite his statement, Trump has rarely utilized the H-1B program, which allows skilled workers, such as engineers, to work in the U.S. for up to six years.
Instead, his companies have frequently relied on the H-2B visa program for unskilled workers, such as gardeners and housekeepers, and the H-2A program for
agricultural workers. These visas allow stays of up to 10 months.