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Elon Musk had earlier defended the H-1B visas system, however, he has now called for a “major reform” in the system.
Elon Musk (Photo: AFP)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday dubbed the H-1B visa system as “broken” and said that it needed a “major reform”, days after vowing to “go to war” to defend the system which is used to allow foreign skilled workers to work in the US.
Elon Musk and Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who are all set to be a part of the incoming Donald Trump administration in the US next year, have backed the H1-B visa programme. They recently clashed with Trump supporters over the issue of immigration.
What Did Elon Musk Say On H1-B Visas?
Responding to a post on X, the social media platform he is an owner of, Musk, who himself is an immigrant from South Africa on an H1-B visa, said that he has been very clear that the system is “broken” and “needs a major reform”.
His response came to an X user who said that the United States needs to be a destination for the world’s “most elite talent”, however, “H1-B visa isn’t the way to do that”.
Musk shared his opinion on how to “easily fix” the “broken” system and said that minimum salary requirement for getting the visa should be raised significantly so that it is more expensive for employers to “hire from overseas than domestically”.
“Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform,” Musk replied to the post.
Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically.I’ve been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024
Musk had previously batted for bringing in the top engineering talent into the US, calling it “essential for America to keep winning”. Ramaswamy, son of Indian immigrants, also echoed Musk’s sentiments over the issue.
Debate Over H-1B Visas Reignites
The debate over H-1B visas reignited after right-wing influencer Laura Loomer criticised Donald Trump’s choice of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy for his incoming administration.
Loomer, along with far-right figures like Ann Coulter and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, accused figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy of undermining American workers. A viral post on X dubbed Krishnan an “India First” operative, alleging he aimed to “replace American workers.”
Loomer, a prominent MAGA personality known for her conspiracy theories, commented, “Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech,” and added, “We must protect President Trump from the technocrats.”
In response, Musk fired back at critics, warning of a potential “MAGA civil war.” He even swore at one critic, declaring, “I will go to war on this issue.”
Donald Trump Backs H1-B Visa
Trump said that he fully backs the H1-B visa programme despite opposition from some of his supporters.
Trump told the New York Post last week that he was in favour of the visa system.
“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great programme,” he said.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
