Elon Musk Advocates for H-1B Visa Reforms Amid Political Tensions

Elon Musk proposes reforms to the H-1B visa system, emphasizing its importance for US tech firms. He argues for increased costs and higher salary thresholds to ensure elite talent. Backed by Trump, Musk's stance has sparked debate amid a push from immigration hardliners to limit the program.

Elon Musk, tech billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is advocating for reforms in the US H-1B visa programme, which he labels as 'broken'. By raising the minimum salary and increasing annual costs for employers, Musk aims to attract elite foreign talent while deterring companies from choosing cheaper overseas options.

Musk's views align with those of Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and President-elect Donald Trump, with all three emphasizing the importance of skilled immigrants to the nation's tech industry. Trump, who had previously restricted the programme in 2020, has shown renewed support, stating, 'I've always been in favour of the visas.'

The sentiments around the H-1B visa system have sparked heated discussions, especially after right-wing influencer Laura Loomer criticized the choice of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an advisor on AI policy. Musk's comments about removing 'hateful, unrepentant racists' from the Republican Party underline the tensions within the immigration policy debate.

(With inputs from agencies.)