Musk: US benefited hugely from skilled Indians; fix H-1B, not end it
Musk: US benefited hugely from skilled Indians; fix H-1B, not end it
Elon Musk says the US benefits from skilled Indian immigrants through H-1B but warns against gaming the system—urging reform, not an end to the program.
On a recent podcast with Nikhil Kamath, Elon Musk weighed in on the H-1B visa debate, stressing the huge benefits that Indian-trained workers have brought to the US tech industry. He described the flow of skilled talent as a driver of innovation, arguing that the US has benefited immensely from Indians who contribute to startups, research, and mainstream tech firms.
But Musk also warned against misuse. He noted that some companies use the H-1B program to curb costs and push work offshore, urging policymakers to close those loopholes instead of shutting down the program entirely.
He was clear that he does not support ending H-1B, saying that such a move would be very bad for the economy and innovation. Instead, he called for reforms that preserve pathways for skilled workers while tightening oversight on misuse.
The tech entrepreneur's comments add to a long-running debate about immigration policy in the US, highlighting how talent mobility shapes competitiveness. If reforms are well-designed, they could strengthen the bridge between Indian tech talent and American industry, sustaining growth while protecting workers and ensuring fairness.
Cover image source: 'US benefitted immensely from talented Indians': Elon Musk on H-1B, immigration 🔗