WASHINGTON, Dec 31: Tech billionaire Elon Musk has intensified discussions about the H-1B visa program, which facilitates the entry of skilled foreign workers into the U.S. By labeling it “broken” and in dire need of “major reform,” he has reignited the issue after pledging to “go to war” in its defense.
Musk, along with Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has been appointed by Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Last week, Musk emphasized the necessity of foreign talent in technology companies such as SpaceX and Tesla. “The reason I’m in America, along with many who played crucial roles in building SpaceX, Tesla, and numerous other companies that have strengthened this nation, is because of the H-1B visa,” he stated on X.
In a subsequent response to a user on X, Musk seemed to revise his position, suggesting that while America should attract the world’s “elite talent,” the current H-1B system is not adequate. He proposed a straightforward solution: elevating the minimum salary requirements and introducing an annual fee for H-1B maintenance, increasing the overall cost of hiring foreign talent compared to domestic workers. On Sunday, he reiterated, “I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform.”
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant permit allowing U.S. companies to hire foreign specialists in fields requiring theoretical or technical expertise, and it is essential for many technology firms that bring in numerous employees from nations like India and China each year.
The tech sector has long advocated for an increase in H-1B visas to draw top-tier talent to the United States. As someone who previously held an H-1B visa, Musk, whose Tesla has employed workers through this program, has consistently defended the demand for foreign expertise. “Anyone—regardless of race, creed, or nationality—who comes to America and works diligently to contribute to this country deserves my utmost respect. America embodies freedom and opportunity. We must fight with all our strength to preserve that!” he asserted on X on December 28.
Musk’s views were echoed by President-elect Donald Trump, who initially imposed restrictions on the program in 2020, claiming it enabled firms to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. However, Trump recently stated, “I’ve always liked the visas; I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them.” Musk has persistently expressed his support for the program on X, stating, “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley,” on December 25.
Amid ongoing discussions about immigration, several of Trump’s supporters and hardliners are increasingly advocating for the abolition of the H-1B visa program. This dialogue was ignited by Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer, who criticized Trump’s choice of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an advisor on artificial intelligence policy; Krishnan supports bringing more skilled immigrants to the U.S. Loomer denounced this perspective as “not America First policy” and alleged that tech executives aligning with Trump were motivated by self-interest.
The discussion escalated when Ramaswamy condemned American culture for endorsing mediocrity rather than excellence based on merit. “Trump’s election hopefully signals the dawn of a new golden era in America, but only if our culture truly awakens. We need to reinstate a culture that values achievement over mediocrity; excellence over normativity; hard work over complacency,” he remarked on Thursday, garnering criticism for his comments.
In response, Musk called for the elimination of “contemptible fools” from the Republican Party who oppose his immigration agenda. He later clarified that he was referring to the “hateful, unrepentant racists” he sees as a threat to the party’s future. (Agencies)
