Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary Kristi Noem said on Fox News that the US will continue using H-1B visas under the Trump administration. She added that the process for visas and green cards has been sped up and made more secure, with more people becoming naturalised citizens than ever before. Noem stressed that H-1B holders should meet some criteria that are very important for those coming to the country.
- The users are not supporters of terrorist groups.
- The users are coming to the country for the “right reasons.”
- The users are not supporting any organisations that hate America.
Noem also took a swipe at the Biden administration, claiming the former president had allowed “thousands of terrorists” into the US and let them misuse protective immigration programmes.
Trump’s U-turn on H1-B
US President Donald Trump recently signalled a notable U-turn on the controversial H-1B visa programme, a shift that has caused confusion and concern across the tech sector and the MAGA base.Speaking to Fox News, the GOP leader said the US does not have enough “talent” for jobs in manufacturing and defence, and needs skilled foreign workers to fill its industries and universities.Many of Trump’s supporters were unhappy, saying the move goes against his promise to put “America First.” MAGA’s hardliner stance on anti-immigration was one of the most important reasons Trump could win a second term.In mid-September, Trump announced a new one-time fee of $100,000 for employers filing new H-1B petitions, an absurd increase from previous costs.
