Shortage of Skilled Labor in the U.S.: What Trump's Statement Means for Foreign Professionals
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
"The country doesn't have certain talents."
This statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, made during a national broadcast, reignited a key debate about the future of the American job market: the shortage of skilled labor in the U.S. and the role of legal immigration as a strategic solution.
Despite being known for a stricter stance on immigration, Trump acknowledged that the United States needs to attract foreign talent in sectors like technology, engineering, and industry. This position opens up important discussions for Brazilians and other professionals seeking to live and work legally in the U.S.
If you dream of building an international career, this article is for you.
Here you’ll understand the context of Trump's statement, the professional visa options available, and what this means for those who want to immigrate legally.
Table of Contents
Trump’s Statement: Context and Impact
During an interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump said:
“The country doesn’t have certain talents to fill the positions we have.”
The statement came in the context of a discussion about the H‑1B visa, used by U.S. companies to hire highly qualified foreign workers. Even with previously stricter immigration policies, Trump admitted that the U.S. economy relies on foreign talent, and that the current system often makes access difficult.
He cited an example of undocumented specialized workers at a battery factory in Georgia who were deported despite their technical qualifications. This underscores the core issue: being talented is not enough - you must be legally authorized.
Skilled Labor Shortage in the U.S.: What’s at Stake?
Several U.S. industries continue to face challenges filling qualified positions, especially in:
Information Technology
Engineering and Construction
Energy Industry
Scientific Research and Innovation
Healthcare and Biotechnology
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 1 million jobs are projected to remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of qualified professionals.
As a result, there is increasing pressure for the country to modernize its visa policies, allowing skilled foreign workers to contribute legally to the U.S. economy.
Work Visas: Updated Overview
H‑1B Visa
One of the most well-known visas for foreign professionals with a university degree and a job offer in a specialized field.
Recent Updates:
Annual cap: 65,000 visas + 20,000 for master’s degree holders from U.S. institutions
High competition: over 400,000 applications in 2024
New $100,000 fee under discussion for sponsoring companies
Foreign professionals are increasingly seeking legal alternatives to live and work in the U.S. - through corporate, academic, entrepreneurial, or investor routes. And contrary to popular belief, the H‑1B is not the only option.
Other Relevant Visa Options:
Visa Type | Suitable For | Key Characteristics |
L‑1 | International Transfer | For employees at multinational companies with U.S. operations |
O‑1 | Extraordinary Ability | For individuals with outstanding achievements in arts, science, education, or sports |
E‑2 | Foreign Investor | For those investing in a U.S. business, available via treaty-country citizenship (e.g., Portugal or Italy) |
EB‑2 NIW | National Interest Waiver | For highly qualified professionals whose work benefits the U.S., with green card potential |
In short, there are real opportunities for those who:
Have multinational experience and qualify for a transfer (L‑1)
Can prove extraordinary accomplishments in their field (O‑1 or EB‑2 NIW)
Hold dual citizenship with a treaty country (for E‑2)
Want to invest or build a business in the U.S.
The key is understanding which visa best fits your life project and this requires legal guidance.
5 Key Steps to Plan Your Professional Immigration
1. Evaluate your technical and academic backgroundDegrees, experience, awards, and publications can make a difference.
2. Understand the U.S. job market in your field Which sectors are growing? Where is demand strongest?
3. Identify real job or investment opportunitiesHave a clear plan: employers, projects, or business strategies.
4. Choose the right visa for your goals Each visa has different requirements and criteria.
5. Follow all legal procedures with professional support
Operating without proper status is risky and can jeopardize your future in the U.S.
Also read: What you don’t know about the EB2-NIW
How to Proceed Safely and Strategically
Trump’s remarks shed light on a clear reality: the U.S. needs skilled professionals, and legal immigration is the safest and most sustainable way to meet that demand.
However, professional immigration is not automatic and each case requires a customized legal strategy. Choosing the right visa, avoiding technical errors, and complying with all legal steps are critical for long-term success.
If you’re planning to build your career in the United States, don’t risk it with incomplete information or shortcuts.
Murtaz Law is a trusted name in legal immigration to the U.S., with years of experience in work, investment, and permanent residence visas for Brazilians and other foreign nationals.
✅ Service in English, Portuguese, and Spanish
✅ Personalized strategies for your case
✅ Full and transparent legal support
Contact us by clicking here and start planning your future in America today.
We look forward to assisting you!
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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