White House says Trump’s H-1B stance remains nuanced.
Trump has emphasized that many new manufacturing plants — including some he describes as “extremely complex” — are now being built across the United States. He says these facilities represent a real shift in how companies view America’s economic future. According to him, businesses that once moved operations overseas are returning because they see the U.S. as a stronger, more reliable place to grow. He believes these advanced plants will not only create jobs but also help boost innovation, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term economic stability. Trump often highlights this trend as evidence that his policies are encouraging investment at home. In his view, these projects signal renewed confidence in American workers and the nation’s overall economic direction.
Washington: The White House says President Donald Trump holds what it calls a “very nuanced and commonsense opinion” on the topic of H-1B visas — one that is often misunderstood in public debate. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that Trump does not support American workers being pushed aside or replaced, and that many portrayals of his stance have failed to capture the full picture.
Responding to a question about concerns that American jobs are being taken by H-1B visa holders, Leavitt explained that Trump’s position has repeatedly been mischaracterised. According to her, Trump sees the issue as more complex than a simple “for or against” debate. Instead, he approaches it from the perspective of economic growth, domestic capability, and the long-term competitiveness of the United States.
Leavitt elaborated that Trump’s view centers on the kind of foreign investment currently flowing into the U.S. She noted that when foreign companies invest billions — in some cases trillions — into American manufacturing, they sometimes bring in workers from their home countries to help launch highly specialized projects. These workers, she emphasized, often possess expertise in cutting-edge areas like battery technology, semiconductor manufacturing, or next-generation materials. Trump, she said, recognizes that in the initial phase, allowing such workers can be essential to getting major projects off the ground.
She clarified that Trump supports this only as a transitional stage — a way to help new factories start operating efficiently. His expectation, she said, is that these foreign experts ultimately pass on their knowledge to American workers. The goal, according to Leavitt, is not to replace U.S. employees but to empower them with advanced skills that strengthen the country’s industrial base.
In recent weeks, Trump has also faced criticism from some members of his MAGA (Make America Great Again) base, who have long advocated for strict limits on both legal and illegal immigration, including skilled-worker visa programs like H-1B and L1. These supporters argue that such visas have been misused, enabling companies to hire cheaper foreign labor rather than invest in American talent. Claims of widespread abuse, fraud, and displacement of U.S. workers have fueled demands for stricter oversight or even rolling back the programs entirely.
However, Trump has publicly signaled a more flexible approach, saying he would “welcome” highly skilled immigrants who contribute to America’s technological and industrial progress. He has suggested that workers with rare expertise — for instance, those involved in producing advanced chips, missiles, or complex manufacturing systems — can serve as mentors and teachers for American employees. He acknowledged that this stance might draw “a little heat” from his supporters, but insisted that ensuring the U.S. stays ahead in high-tech manufacturing is a top priority.
Trump has also pointed to the large number of manufacturing plants now under construction across the country, including what he described as “extremely complex” facilities. These plants, he argued, are reshaping America’s industrial landscape and will play an integral role in boosting economic growth. But he maintains that to get some of these projects operational, companies may need temporary access to specialized foreign workers.
Americans in advanced manufacturing techniques — from producing computer chips to designing intricate components for modern technologies.
Visas like H-1B and L1 have long been used by companies to hire skilled foreign professionals for specialized roles, particularly in fields where the U.S. workforce may not have enough experienced candidates. Under Trump’s broader immigration agenda, the administration prioritizes cracking down on illegal immigration while also reassessing legal pathways to ensure they align with national interests. But while some supporters push for a much tougher line on skilled visas, Trump appears to be carving out a position that balances protection of American jobs with the need for innovation and industrial advancement.