Former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken a protectionist stance on immigration, recently contradicted his own position when his social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, applied for an H-1B visa for a worker. The H-1B program allows companies to hire foreign professionals on a temporary basis.
In a statement, Trump Media & Technology Group claimed that the application was made under prior management and has since been terminated. However, records show that the company was approved for a visa a few months after the application was filed.
The application raises questions about Trump’s commitment to his anti-immigration agenda. During his presidency, Trump issued an executive order directing Cabinet members to suggest reforms to ensure that H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. He has also previously said that the program was used by tech companies to get foreign workers for lower pay.
Trump’s application for an H-1B visa is not an isolated incident. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former White House adviser, also applied for an H-1B visa for his investment firm. However, Kushner’s application was for a higher salary level, which falls under the highest wage level for H-1B visas typically reserved for those who are experts in their field and have senior responsibilities.
The applications for H-1B visas by Trump and Kushner highlight the disconnect between their public statements on immigration and their business practices. While they may claim to support policies that protect American workers, their actions suggest otherwise.
