Trump backs skilled foreign workers, says US needs them

ISTANBUL

US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for skilled immigration, emphasizing the need for competent foreign talent in the country.

"I didn't change my mind. I always felt we have to have the most competent people in our country," said Trump, responding to a question about his stance on H-1B visas during a New Year's Eve event.

The H-1B visa program enables skilled foreign professionals to work in the US, particularly in the technology sector.

"We need competent people. We need smart people coming into our country... We're going to have jobs like we've never had before," Trump added.

Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X, has also voiced support for the program, highlighting the critical role foreign talent plays in driving American innovation.

The remarks from Trump, known for his anti-immigration stance, come amid discussions on automatically granting green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges.