Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of several technology companies, acknowledged the flaws in the H1-B visa system, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to work in the United States. Musk admitted the program was “broken” and called for major reforms to address concerns about its misuse.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk responded to criticism of the H1-B visa system, particularly claims that it allows the recruitment of low-wage foreign workers, especially in the tech industry. Musk suggested that one way to fix the system would be to increase the minimum salary requirement for H1-B visa holders and impose annual fees for maintaining the visa. He argued that this would make it “materially more expensive to recruit people from abroad than domestically,” which he said could reduce abuse of the program.
Also read | Vivek Ramaswamy’s H-1B overhaul plan: A win for Indian workers in the US?
“This can easily be resolved by significantly increasing the minimum salary and adding annual maintenance costs H1Bmaking it significantly more expensive to hire people from abroad than from home. I have made it very clear that the program is broken and needs major reforms,” Musk wrote on X.
He added: “I am confident that the changes in the @realDonaldTrump administration will make America much stronger.”
Musk’s comments come after he vowed to “go to war” over the issue and lashed out at critics, telling opponents to “F— yourselfHowever, despite his strong rhetoric, he admitted that some criticism of the program’s shortcomings was justified.
Elon Musk gets Trump’s support in H-1B visa debate amid MAGA division
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for Elon Musk’s position on the H-1B visa programdespite mounting opposition within Trumpown political base. The program, which allows American companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, has been a controversial issue, especially among immigration hardliners in the US. MAGA movement.
Musk, recently tapped Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) along with Indian-American technology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamyhas spoken out in defense of the program. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX says foreign talent is crucial for innovation in the US.
Musk defends the H-1B program
On Friday (December 27), Musk responded strongly to critics on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the role of H-1B visa in his own success and that of his companies. “The reason I am in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong, is because of H1B,” Musk wrote.
In a heated exchange, Musk invoked a profane quote from the film Tropic Thunder to dismiss critics: “Take a big step back and F— YOURSELF in your face. I will wage a war against this issue that you cannot possibly understand.”
Musk continued to defend the program and emphasize its role in attracting exceptional talent to the US. “Anyone – of any race, creed or nationality – who came to America and worked hard to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity,” he wrote on X.
Trump sides with Musk
President-elect Trump supported Musk’s position on Saturday (Dec. 28) and told the New York Post that he has always supported the H-1B program. “I’ve always liked the visas, I’ve always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said.
Internal MAGA Division
Musk‘s position has deepened divisions within the MAGA after a right-wing influencer Laura Loomer criticized Trump’s choice of Indian-American technology executive Sriram Krishnan as AI policy advisor. Loomer argued that the appointment contradicted Trump’s “America First” agenda and accused tech executives of prioritizing personal gain over national interests.
Also read | Grimes reveals her India connection amid backlash over Krishnan’s appointment
Musk lashed out at such sentiments, calling for the removal of “despicable fools” and “hateful, unrepentant racists” from the Republican Party. He argued that opposition to skilled immigration undermines America’s global competitiveness.
Ramaswamy’s comments
In addition to the debate, Vivek Ramaswamy criticized American culture for embracing mediocrity over merit. “A culture that re-prioritizes performance over normality; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness,” Ramaswamy said.
Also read | MAGA Civil War? Indians in focus as Republicans spar over immigration and H-1B visas
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