Tech billionaire and world’s richest man Elon Musk has expressed concern about the H-1B visa program, claiming he is being “misled” by select outsourcing companies in the United States.
The tech mogul emphasized that authorities should address misuse of the H-1B visa system rather than dismantling it entirely.
What is the H-1B visa?
H-1B visas allow American companies to hire skilled foreign workers and are primarily used by Indian citizens, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.
During a recent podcast with Indian businessman Nikhil Kamath, Musk highlighted that the United States has “long benefited” from the contributions of talented Indian immigrant workers, while acknowledging problems related to the “misuse” of the H-1B program.
Tampering in the H-1B Visa Lottery System
Outsourcing companies have faced backlash for manipulating the lottery system, including submitting multiple applications for the same worker and hiring low-cost contract employees instead of filling specialized positions. bbc reported.
Musk firmly stated, “We need to stop gaming the system,” but disagreed with those advocating for a complete shutdown of the H-1B system, arguing that such a move would be detrimental to the U.S. economy.
Recent data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that H-1B visa approvals by Indian outsourcing companies have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, with a significant decline in initial job applications.
In addition to H-1B visas, Musk also commented on former President Trump’s tariff policies, which he believes distort markets, noting that negotiations for a US-India trade deal are ongoing with an agreement expected by the end of the year.
