MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • January 5, 2025
H-1B visas allow 65,000 skilled workers to come to the U.S. each year to fill specialized jobs, often in technology, health care, higher education, scientific research or other STEM fields. Locally, they’re favored by companies like The Jackson Laboratory, Eastern Maine Medical Center, UMaine, Idexx and Wex. Elon Musk, who’s has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, says H-1B visas are the reason he and many other immigrants have found success in the U.S. He is prepared to “go to war on this issue.” Anti-immigration Republicans have criticized the program. President-elect Donald Trump has historically opposed H-1B visas, but last week appeared to change course, saying the country “needs smart people.”