Trump Defends Skilled Immigration as Essential for America's High-Tech Future

President Donald Trump emphasized the necessity of skilled immigrants in the United States during his address to the US-Saudi Investment Forum, which he attended alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Despite making hardline immigration policies a cornerstone of his administration, Trump acknowledged Wednesday that his recent comments supporting skilled immigration have drawn criticism from some of his "Make America Great Again" supporters.

Trump articulated his vision to business executives, stating that America needs immigrants who can train domestic workers in high-tech manufacturing facilities. "I love my conservative friends. I love MAGA. But this is MAGA," Trump declared, receiving applause from the audience. "Those people are going to teach our people how to make computer chips, and in a short period of time, our people are going to be doing great. And those people can go home."

This stance has created tension within Trump's base. Last week, during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, the president pushed back when she suggested that the country shouldn't be flooded with foreign workers. Trump countered, "You also do have to bring in talent." When Ingraham insisted America had "plenty of talented people here," Trump disagreed, saying, "No, you don't," adding that "people have to learn."

The exchange prompted swift criticism from segments of the MAGA movement who oppose expanding H-1B visas and similar programs designed for skilled immigrants.

Nevertheless, Trump doubled down on his position Wednesday, describing his critics as "really, really smart" and "unbelievable patriots" who "just don't understand our people need to be taught."

Trump further explained that for "extremely complex" manufacturing operations producing computers, cell phones, and missiles, it's unrealistic to "think you can hire people off an unemployment line to run it." He stated that foreign companies establishing plants in the US "are going to have to bring thousands of people with them, and I'm going to welcome those people."

As evidence of his practical approach, Trump referenced the case of South Korean nationals who were detained and deported following a September immigration raid at Hyundai's electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia. Some have since returned to their jobs. Trump recounted that the workers had been ordered to "get out," but he intervened, saying, "Stop it. Don't be stupid."