New Delhi: Days after vowing to “go to war” in defence of H-1B visa system, tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized it calling it “broken” and in need of significant reform. The visa program allows skilled foreign workers to come to the United States but has sparked heated debates over its fairness and impact on domestic workers.
Responding to a post on X, Musk said the H-1B program could be fixed by raising the minimum salary for visa holders and adding a yearly cost for companies to maintain these visas. Musk suggested these changes would make hiring foreign workers more expensive than hiring locally, ensuring the program benefits only the most skilled individuals.
What’s H-1B visa system row about?
Musk, who migrated from South Africa on an H-1B visa, has long been a supporter of bringing top global talent to the US. Last week, he described attracting elite engineers from abroad as “essential for America to keep winning.”
Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy echoed Musk’s concerns, criticizing US for prioritizing mediocrity over excellence. He argued that American culture needs to focus more on recognizing intellectual talent to remain competitive.
The debate over H-1B visa program has intensified within U.S. political circles, especially among supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who previously moved to limit the visa program during his presidency, has now come out in support of it. He told The New York Post that the program is beneficial for bringing skilled workers to the country and highlighted his personal use of H-1B visas for his properties.
Criticism from Trump’s supporters
Trump’s support for the program has drawn criticism from far-right figures, including Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter. These critics accused Musk and Ramaswamy of undermining American workers, with some labeling the H-1B visa as a tool to “replace” them.
Tensions escalated when Musk clashed with his critics, warning of a “MAGA civil war” within Trump’s support base over the visa program. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the H-1B system, even stating he was willing to “go to war” on the issue.
The row began after Trump appointed Indian-American tech entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an advisor on artificial intelligence policy. Critics accused Krishnan of putting “India First” and prioritizing foreign workers over Americans.
