Race Day Live Donald Trump’s stance on immigration has always been a hot topic, but now his focus on legal immigration is raising concerns about its impact on the workforce in North Carolina.
One of the biggest issues is the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers for specialized jobs.
This program has been around for decades, and businesses say it’s necessary to fill positions that lack enough American workers.
Trump’s views on the H-1B program are not entirely clear. While he has praised it as a “great program,” he has also criticized it and even attempted to suspend it during his first term.
Some of his supporters believe the program threatens American jobs, while others, including Elon Musk, argue that it’s essential for the economy.
North Carolina relies heavily on skilled immigrant workers, especially in STEM fields. Immigrants make up 17% of the state’s STEM workforce, many of whom come through the H-1B program.
In the Triangle area, visa holders often work in tech and research jobs at companies in Research Triangle Park or at universities. In Charlotte, many are employed in the financial sector.
Economist Alejandro Gutierrez-Li from North Carolina State University says any changes to the H-1B program could have significant effects.
The Trump administration might reduce the number of visas issued, tighten the requirements, or even suspend the program altogether. This uncertainty is making businesses and workers nervous.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who represents most of Wake County, is pushing to protect legal immigration, including the H-1B program.
She says many businesses in the Triangle depend on skilled immigrants to grow. Local leaders like Morrisville Town Council member Steve Rao are also worried.
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He points out that most H-1B visa holders come from India, and they make up a large part of Morrisville’s population.
If immigration policies become too strict, skilled workers might leave the U.S. for other countries like Canada, which offers easier paths to permanent residency.
Rao argues that the H-1B program does not take jobs away from Americans. Instead, he says it helps companies expand, innovate, and create more jobs.
Without skilled immigrants, he warns, the U.S. could lose its competitive edge in technology and business. He points to major companies like Google and Tesla, which were built by immigrants, as proof that welcoming international talent benefits the country.
The future of the H-1B visa program remains uncertain, but its impact on North Carolina’s economy is undeniable.
Whether Trump tightens immigration policies or not, the debate over skilled foreign workers will continue to be a key issue in the coming months.
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