Elon Musk recently found himself at the center of a heated debate over the use of H-1B visas in the United States. The program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S. job market, has come under criticism from some leading figures in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. However, Musk firmly defended the importance of this tool for maintaining the technological and economic competitiveness of the country: “I am in America, together with many other people fundamental to the creation of SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that have made the country strong, thanks to H-1B visas.” Donald Trump also expressed his support for the program, declaring that he has always appreciated and supported this initiative which allows companies to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations. The newly elected president noted that he has made extensive use of H-1B visas for his properties, calling them a “great program.” This comment stands in contrast to his previous policies during his administration, when he limited access to visas for foreign workers and criticized the program.
Musk’s statements have sparked strong reactions from some leading figures in the MAGA movement, such as Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter, who argue that the program has been abused and should be drastically scaled back. Steve Bannon, a former White House advisor, also attacked Musk sarcastically, insinuating that his positions are immaturely impulsive. Despite this criticism, Musk reiterated that the program is essential to keeping the United States at the top of global innovation. According to the CEO, attracting the “top 0.1% of engineering talent” is crucial to ensuring that America continues to win in the international competitive landscape. Alongside Musk is Vivek Ramaswamy, who is about to take on a leading role in the Department for Government Efficiency. Ramaswamy offered a critical analysis of American culture, accusing it of valuing mediocrity at the expense of excellence. Sharing Musk’s concerns, he stressed the need to promote a system that rewards merit and innovation.
