Elon Musk Praises Indian Talent, Criticizes H1-B Misuse on Podcast

Elon Musk recently addressed the vital contributions of Indian talent to the United States while acknowledging challenges related to the H-1B visa program. On the podcast “People by WTF,” hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Musk discussed the evolving narrative of immigration in the U.S.

Indian Talent and America’s Workforce

Musk emphasized that the U.S. has greatly benefited from Indian professionals. He stated, “America has benefitted immensely from talented Indians that have come to America.” This sentiment echoes Kamath’s observation that for decades, the U.S. has attracted highly skilled individuals, particularly from India.

Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration

Kamath raised concerns about the noticeable shift in immigration sentiment in the U.S. He shared his personal experiences of anxiety while navigating U.S. immigration procedures. Musk attributed this change to political divisions and recent increases in illegal immigration. He noted, “There are different schools of thought. It’s not unanimous.”

• Musk criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, describing them as lacking control: “It was basically a total free-for-all with no border controls.”
• He pointed to the issue of generous government benefits as a factor attracting undocumented migrants.

Political Polarization and Its Impacts

Musk outlined how both political extremes contribute to the complexities of immigration policy. On one side, he described the left’s advocacy for open borders, while on the opposite end, the right fears job losses to immigrants. Musk questioned this job loss narrative, asserting, “There is always a scarcity of talented people… More talented people would be good.”

Additionally, he noted that some companies might prefer employing less expensive foreign workers, a situation that fosters resentment among the public.

Concerns Over H-1B Visa Misuse

Discussing the H-1B visa program, Musk acknowledged its flaws. He indicated that certain outsourcing firms have exploited the system, saying, “There has been some misuse of the H-1B program.” However, he cautioned against drastic changes to the program, warning that shutting it down would have negative repercussions.

At his own companies, Musk asserted that the goal is not cost-cutting but attracting talent. He stated, “We pay above average. We are just trying to get the most talented people in the world.”