PHOENIX, Ariz. (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump defended legal immigration this week, saying he would welcome thousands of skilled foreign workers to help train Americans in fast-growing technology industries, including semiconductor manufacturing. His remarks marked a notable shift in tone after years of criticism aimed at what he often called “outsiders.”
Speaking at the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, Trump said companies building advanced computer chip plants in states like Arizona need specialized talent that is not yet available in large enough numbers in the United States. He said he would support efforts to bring in foreign engineers and technicians to help launch these facilities and train American workers.
“You can’t come in, open up a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars like it’s being done in Arizona and think you’re going to hire people from off the unemployment line to run it,” Trump said. “They’re going to have to bring thousands of people with them. I am going to welcome those people.”
Trump said the foreign workforce would help “teach our people” advanced skills needed in semiconductor manufacturing and other high-tech sectors. He stressed that many companies entering the U.S. market cannot immediately find workers with the required technical experience.
“You are coming here, and you find that we don’t have people who did that before,” he said. “If you have to bring people to get those plants open, we want you to do that. We want those people to teach our people how to make computer chips and how to make other things.”
Trump acknowledged that his approach could draw criticism from some of his strongest supporters. He said he expects to “take a little heat” from conservative commentators and Republican leaders who have called for stricter limits on work visas and foreign labor.
“I always take a little heat from my people,” he said. “The people that love me and the people that I love. They happen to be toward the right… Sometimes they are way right. I love my conservative friends. I love MAGA. But this is MAGA, and those people are going to teach our people how to make computer chips.”
His comments come as the United States pushes to expand semiconductor production under major federal incentives. The industry faces ongoing shortages of highly skilled workers, from chip engineers to clean-room technicians.
Earlier this month, Trump surprised many in his political base when he voiced support for the H-1B visa program during an interview on Fox News. The program allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specialty fields, including engineering and computer science. It has long been a source of tension in conservative circles, where critics argue it displaces American workers and lowers wages.
Trump’s new remarks have reignited that debate. Several Republican lawmakers and conservative activists renewed calls to reform or eliminate the program. They argue that the United States should train more domestic workers instead of relying on talent from overseas.
But Trump said foreign specialists are essential to jump-starting large-scale chip manufacturing projects and building a stronger tech workforce for the future. He framed his position as a practical step to help American companies compete with rivals in Asia.
Trump’s comments come as U.S. officials highlight the importance of building a secure, domestic semiconductor supply chain. Supporters of skilled immigration say foreign experts can help the nation reduce dependence on global manufacturers and speed up the construction of U.S. chip plants.
