President-elect Donald Trump has appointed longtime adviser Stephen Miller, known for his tough stance on immigration, as deputy chief of policy in the upcoming administration.
The appointment was confirmed by Vice President-elect JD Vance, who congratulated Miller on X, calling it "another fantastic pick by the president."
Miller has been one of Trump’s most trusted advisers since his first presidential campaign, and his influence on immigration policies has been notable.
As a senior adviser during Trump’s first term, Miller was central to numerous policy decisions, including the controversial family separation program implemented in 2018 to deter illegal immigration.
Miller’s Opposition to H-1B Visas and High-Skilled Immigration
Miller's stance on immigration extends to the H-1B visa program, which allows high-skilled foreign nationals, including international students, to work in the United States.
Despite widespread economic consensus on the benefits of high-skilled immigration, the Trump administration pursued policies to restrict H-1B visas and reduce the appeal of studying in the U.S., according to Forbes.
One key proposal, the Cruz-Sessions bill, sought to limit H-1B visas by requiring applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree to work outside the U.S. for ten years before being eligible.
The bill would also eliminate Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students and set a high minimum salary of $110,000 for H-1B holders, mirroring a 2020 Department of Labor wage rule.
The Cruz-Sessions bill, which Miller is believed to have influenced, also aimed to increase protections for U.S. workers, making it easier for them to file discrimination lawsuits against companies that hire foreign nationals.
Collaboration with Former ICE Director on Border and Deportation Policies
Miller is expected to work closely with Thomas D. Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who was recently appointed by Trump as his "czar" for border control.
Homan will oversee planned deportations of undocumented immigrants and oversee maritime and aviation security.
These appointments underscore the incoming administration's hardline approach to immigration, with Miller and Homan set to play key roles in shaping policies focused on tighter border control and restrictions on employment-based immigration programs.
