Elon Musk tries to mend MAGA rift over immigration debate, labels H1-B system ‘broken’ and offers a ‘fix’
Tesla and SpaceX, has described the H1-B visa system as “broken” and called for reforms to curb its misuse. The programme, which allows US companies to employ highly skilled foreign workers, has been criticised for enabling the hiring of low-wage workers, particularly in the tech industry.
ET Year-end Special Reads
What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024?
India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024
Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk suggested two primary changes to the system. “Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1-B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. I’ve been very clear that the programme is broken and needs major reform,” Musk wrote.
Personal Ties to H1-B Visas
Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, highlighted the role of H1-B visas in his own journey and the success of his companies. “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1-B,” he stated.
In a heated exchange on X, Musk dismissed critics using a quote from the film Tropic Thunder: “Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”
He argued that the programme is vital for attracting top talent to the United States, adding that companies require access to
