Elon Musk calls for major reform of H-1B visa system amid heated immigration debate

Elon Musk slams ‘broken’ H-1B system days after ‘will go to war’ promise

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reignited the debate over the H-1B visa program, calling it “broken” and in need of “major reform.” Days after vowing to “go to war” to defend the program, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to outline his vision for fixing the system, which is used to bring skilled foreign workers to the United States.

Musk, Ramaswamy back H-1B program amid criticism

Musk, who himself immigrated to the US from South Africa on an H-1B visa, emphasized that reforming the program is essential to maintaining America’s edge in innovation. His comments come as he and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, both vocal supporters of the visa program, face criticism from right-wing factions within Donald Trump’s base.

In response to a post on X, Musk asserted the need for the US to attract the “world’s most elite talent” and suggested raising the minimum salary for H-1B holders while imposing an annual maintenance fee. According to Musk, these changes would make hiring foreign workers “materially more expensive” than hiring domestically, incentivizing the US to prioritize top talent.

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

Ramaswamy echoed Musk’s concerns, criticizing a culture that, in his words, celebrates “mediocrity over excellence.” In a post on X, he argued that the US needs to focus on rewarding intellectual achievements rather than social popularity.

Right-wing pushback and MAGA civil war

Supporters of former President Donald Trump have increasingly called for the H-1B program to be abolished, framing it as a threat to American workers. The controversy intensified after Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan was chosen as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in Trump’s upcoming administration.

Right-wing influencers such as Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter accused Musk, Ramaswamy, and Krishnan of undermining American workers. Loomer, a staunch MAGA supporter, even warned of a “MAGA civil war” over the issue, accusing Musk and Ramaswamy of advancing an “India First” agenda.

Musk responded sharply to his critics, defending his stance on the visa program and dismissing accusations as baseless. “I will go to war on this issue,” Musk declared, signaling his determination to protect the program from opposition.

Trump’s position on H-1B visas

Amid the controversy, Donald Trump has thrown his support behind the H-1B program, despite restricting its use during his first presidency. In a statement to The New York Post, Trump affirmed his belief in the program’s value, noting that he has relied on H-1B visas at his own properties.

“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 program,” Trump said.

The debate over H-1B visas underscores deeper divisions within US immigration policy, particularly the tension between fostering global talent and protecting domestic workers. As figures like Musk and Ramaswamy push for reforms to ensure the program benefits America’s technological and economic goals, the backlash from certain political factions highlights the challenges of balancing these priorities.

The outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of US immigration policy and its position as a global leader in innovation.

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