At a New Year’s Eve gathering at his Mar-a-Lago resort, President-elect Donald Trump addressed questions about his stance on H-1B visas, which allow skilled foreign workers to fill specialized roles in the U.S., particularly in fields like technology and engineering. Trump was asked if his position on the program had changed, to which he firmly responded, "I didn’t change my mind on H-1B visas. 

Trump’s endorsement of the H-1B visa program contrasts with some of his previous criticisms. In the past, he referred to the program as “unfair” to American workers and "very bad." 

Immigration attorney Steven Brown expressed surprise at Trump's unwavering support for the H-1B visa, tweeting, "Interesting #H1B news, pleasantly surprised to see from DJT." This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, leading some to wonder about his political strategy.

The Biden administration has taken steps to improve the H-1B application process, aiming to streamline it while also addressing concerns about potential misuse by companies. This has reignited discussions about the role of the program in the U.S. economy, with some arguing it brings in highly skilled workers, while others worry it might take away job opportunities from Americans.

Trump's unwavering backing of the H-1B program is in line with prominent figures such as billionaire Elon Musk, who has long been an advocate for the system, emphasizing its importance in fostering innovation and attracting global talent to the U.S.

On the other hand, Trump supporter Vivek Ramaswamy has called for reforms, advocating for changes that prioritize the most skilled individuals, promote competition, and reduce bureaucracy.

However, Trump’s stance has sparked debates, especially among his political base. Political analyst Craig Agranoff noted that Trump's support for H-1B visas might conflict with his "America First" messaging, which has resonated strongly with his MAGA supporters. Many of them view the visas as competition for American workers, particularly in the tech industry. 

Trump’s evolving stance on H-1B visas highlights the complexities of navigating between populist ideals and economic considerations, and how he communicates the economic benefits of the program will likely determine how well it resonates with his base.