US Cannot Function Without Immigrants and H-1B Talent, Says Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois, has emphatically stated that the United States cannot function without immigrant talent, particularly referencing the ongoing debate surrounding H-1B visas. His remarks come amidst a complex 'civil war' within the Republican 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement, sparked by former President Donald Trump's recent acknowledgment that the U.S. requires specific skilled workers from abroad in crucial sectors like chip and battery manufacturing.
Bridging the Skill Gap: Krishnamoorthi's Pragmatic View
Speaking with Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a former adviser to ex-President Biden, Krishnamoorthi articulated a pragmatic view: companies will not wait for American workers to acquire niche skills. Instead, they will outsource jobs to countries where the necessary talent is readily available. This perspective aligns surprisingly with Trump's own recent, albeit controversial, comments, despite the former president's general stance on immigration.
The MAGA Divide: Trump's Stance and White House Clarification
The controversy arose after Trump suggested America needs specialized foreign talent, which drew immediate backlash from some 'America First' advocates. These activists contend that domestic workers possess the required skills, but corporate CEOs pressure administrations to hire cheaper foreign labor. In response to the internal dissent, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt issued a clarification, stating that the President supports revitalizing American manufacturing and opposes replacing American workers, advocating for tariffs and favorable trade deals instead.
Support for H-1B and Call for Reform
Congressman Krishnamoorthi further underscored his support for the necessity of H-1B and other high-skilled immigration, directly echoing Trump's sentiment that if talent isn't brought in, jobs will simply leave the country. "This country cannot run without immigrants and it can't run without H-1B or without other high-skilled talent," Krishnamoorthi asserted, advocating for H-1B system reforms to prevent abuses.
Addressing Domestic Workforce Preparedness
He also critically assessed the current state of American vocational and skill-based education. "I know for a fact that our skill-based and vocational education is not world-class. We have to spend more time cultivating the skills of our indigenous workforce to take the jobs of the future," he noted, highlighting a domestic talent gap. For Krishnamoorthi, immigration remains a profoundly positive force for the United States, essential for economic dynamism and maintaining global competitiveness.
