Elon Musk has expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, particularly praising the valuable contributions of skilled Indian immigrants to the United States. Speaking during the WTF podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO acknowledged that America has significantly benefited from talented Indian professionals. However, he pointed out that some companies misuse the system to cut costs by underpaying foreign workers, instead of hiring them for their skills.
Musk emphasized that his companies focus on attracting top global talent and pay well above average, rather than using the program to reduce costs. He stated that the core issue lies in certain outsourcing firms that “game the system” to exploit the program’s provisions. He called for reforming the system to eliminate this misuse, rather than shutting down the program entirely, as some on the political right have suggested.
Commenting on the broader immigration issue, Musk criticized the Biden administration’s lax border policies, calling it a “total free-for-all” without proper border controls. According to him, secure borders are crucial for national safety, and uncontrolled immigration creates an unsustainable incentive structure that can attract individuals regardless of their background, including criminals.
He also acknowledged the varying political perspectives on immigration. While the left tends to support open borders, the right expresses concerns about job loss to foreign talent. Musk underlined that despite these views, the U.S. continues to face a shortage of skilled workers, and legal immigration through programs like H-1B remains essential to filling that gap and supporting the economy.
