H-1B Visa Row: Days After Vowing To 'Go To War', Musk Claims System Is Broken; India Monitoring Developments Closely

Musk proposed solutions such as increasing the minimum salary for visa holders and imposing an annual fee for maintaining the visa.

The H-1B visa programme has sparked fresh controversy, particularly among Trump's base, with some arguing that it disadvantages American workers.

Source : X/Elon Musk

Elon Musk has labelled the H-1B visa system "broken" and in need of "major reform," just days after vowing to "go to war" in defence of the programme. Musk’s comments add to an ongoing debate over immigration policies, particularly concerning skilled foreign workers in the US. Musk, alongside Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has faced criticism from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump for backing the visa programme. Both Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to join Trump’s upcoming administration.

In a post on X, the platform he owns, Musk reiterated his stance, emphasising that the programme needs significant changes. Responding to a user advocating for the US to attract elite global talent without relying on the current H-1B system, Musk proposed solutions such as increasing the minimum salary for visa holders and imposing an annual fee for maintaining the visa. These measures, he argued, would encourage companies to prioritise hiring domestic talent over cheaper overseas labour.

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

Having migrated to the US from South Africa on an H-1B visa, Musk described the system as one that can be "easily fixed." His call for reform aligns with his belief that America must continue to attract top engineering talent to maintain its competitive edge.

Ramaswamy echoed Musk’s concerns, critiquing what he called a culture of "mediocrity over excellence" in the US He suggested that societal priorities, which often value popularity over intellectual achievement, may undermine the nation’s ability to foster top-tier talent.

Political Divide Over H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa programme has sparked fresh controversy, particularly among Trump's base, with some arguing that it disadvantages American workers. The debate escalated following Trump's appointment of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an advisor on artificial intelligence, drawing backlash from far-right figures like Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter.

Critics accused Musk and Ramaswamy of promoting policies that harm American workers, with one viral post claiming Krishnan was part of an agenda to replace them with foreign talent. Musk, in turn, responded defiantly, warning of internal conflicts within the "MAGA" movement and doubling down on his support for the visa programme.

India Monitoring Developments

The Government is closely observing the situation, particularly the backlash against H-1B visa holders and Indian professionals in the US Officials from the ministries of external affairs, commerce, and IT are working with industry groups to assess any potential impact on Indian workers. Efforts are focused on ensuring fair treatment for those employed legally under US frameworks.

A Government source, quoted by the Times of India, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the competitive position of Indian IT and management professionals while maintaining compliance with US laws. The Indian IT ministry is engaging with major tech firms and associations like Nasscom to understand the evolving landscape.

As debates continue over visa policies and immigration reforms under the Trump administration, stakeholders on both sides are bracing for potential shifts in the treatment of skilled foreign workers in the US.