Elon Musk may be facing deportation concerns over alleged immigration issues dating back to the 1990s, as reported by The Washington Post. Experts and company documents reveal Musk may have worked in the United States without proper authorisation during his early entrepreneurial days, sparking renewed scrutiny and igniting a political controversy that has intensified as the election approaches.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions after Musk responded to these reports, alleging that Democrats could be using his immigration history as leverage against him. “A lot of people still don't believe me when I say that the Dems will do everything in their power to destroy me if they win on Nov 5th,” Musk tweeted.
Musk, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has not only endorsed the former president’s campaign but has also hinted at ambitions to take on a role in a Trump-led administration should he return to office.
Not Musk's First Immigration Rodeo
According to The Washington Post, Musk's immigration status in the 1990s was so precarious that early investors in his company once withheld millions in funding until he resolved the situation. A former board member confirmed that Musk’s paperwork was “not what it should be,” complicating his early years in Silicon Valley.
Musk, originally from South Africa, arrived in the US in 1995 on a student visa to attend Stanford University but reportedly didn’t enrol. Instead, he began developing his first major startup, Zip2, an online business directory. Musk later received legal work authorisation in 1997, followed by US citizenship in 2002.
The political weight of the situation grew when President Joe Biden recently addressed Musk’s immigration history, referring to him as “an illegal worker” who, Biden claims, misused his student visa by staying and working without proper authorisation. “He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn’t in school. He was violating the law. He’s talking about all these ‘illegals’ coming our way,” Biden stated, referencing Musk’s outspoken stance on immigration.
Musk swiftly countered the president's claims, asserting that his visa status was, in fact, legitimate and accusing Biden of misrepresentation. Musk clarified that he initially entered the US on a J-1 visa and later transitioned to an H-1B, stating, “They know this, as they have all my records.”
He accused the Biden administration of desperation as the election nears.
Musk’s early immigration history has now become a focal point in the broader political debate, with the Tesla founder accusing Democrats of orchestrating a campaign to discredit him amid election season. The unfolding drama has only added to Musk’s ongoing disputes with the current administration over regulatory and policy issues, underscoring the high stakes and intensifying rivalry between the tech billionaire and US political leaders.