President Donald Trump, in a rare defense of the benefits of immigration, has ignited debate by insisting that America lacks the “talent” needed to remain competitive on the world stage.

In last week’s interview with Fox News , Trump was arguing in favor H-1B temporary visa program when host Laura Ingraham interjected to state that there was “plenty of talent” in the U.S. that could take up the roles potentially filled by foreign-born, skilled workers.

“No, you don’t. No, you don’t,” the president responded.

"You don't have certain talents, and people have to learn. You can't take people off an unemployment line and say, 'I'm going to put you into a factory, we're going to make missiles.'"

Trump’s statements sparked backlash from elements within his base, who accused him of abandon

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