As US President Donald Trump’s newest push to reform the nation’s immigration system attracts criticism and sparks tensions inside the tech trade, Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s shifting place on the H-1B visa programme has resurfaced on social media.
Musk, whose relationship with Trump deteriorated earlier this 12 months, initially defended the H-1B visa system however reversed course inside a day, calling for “main reform” of what he described as a “damaged” programme.
At one level, Musk, initially from South Africa, acknowledged that he himself was in a position to stay within the US due to the visa system.
The H-1B visa is reserved for overseas staff employed in specialised occupations, predominantly in know-how roles equivalent to software program engineering and IT administration. The visas are usually issued for 3 years, with the potential of renewal for one more three.
On Friday, Trump considerably elevated the annual payment for the H-1B visa to $100,000, a transfer anticipated to closely influence Indian professionals employed by US tech firms.
Earlier, Musk had advocated for a “important improve in authorized migration” and vowed to “go to warfare” to defend the H-1B programme, recognising the vital contributions of visa holders to the success of his firms, Tesla and SpaceX.
“The explanation I’m in America together with so many vital individuals who constructed SpaceX, Tesla and lots of of different firms that made America sturdy, is due to H1B,” Musk posted on X (previously Twitter) on 28 December.
The explanation I’m in America together with so many vital individuals who constructed SpaceX, Tesla and lots of of different firms that made America sturdy is due to H1B.
Take an enormous step again and FUCK YOURSELF within the face. I’ll go to warfare on this challenge the likes of which you can’t…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2024
He added emphatically, “Take an enormous step again and FUCK YOURSELF within the face. I’ll go to warfare on this challenge, the likes of which you can’t probably comprehend.”
Nevertheless, earlier the identical day, Musk had acknowledged there was “no query that the H1B system must be overhauled.” The next day, he described the programme as “damaged and desires main reform,” suggesting elevating the minimal wage considerably and imposing an annual value for sustaining H-1B standing to make abroad hiring materially dearer than home recruitment.
No query that the H1B system must be overhauled
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2024
Signing the proclamation on the White Home on Friday, Trump stated the elevated charges had been meant to “incentivise hiring American staff,” whereas nonetheless guaranteeing firms can recruit “really extraordinary individuals” from overseas, in line with the administration.
If upheld, the adjustments will lead to steep payment will increase: the expert employee visa payment will soar from $215 to $100,000. Charges for investor visas, widespread in lots of European international locations, will even rise from $10,000–$20,000 yearly.
Moreover, the administration introduced a brand new Gold Card visa programme, together with Trump Gold Card and Trump Platinum Card for people, and a Trump Company Gold Card for companies. These playing cards supply unique privileges and are designed to switch employment-based visas that present paths to citizenship for professionals equivalent to professors, scientists, artists, and athletes.