Tesla CEO Elon Musk has praised the contributions of Indian talent to the United States, stating that the country has “benefited immensely” from skilled Indian professionals. His remarks come as concerns grow over the impact of strict immigration policies on Indian students and workers.
In a conversation with Zerodha Co-Founder Nikhil Kamath, Musk highlighted the value of immigrants, particularly from India, stating that their contributions have significantly supported the U.S. economy in areas like technology and innovation. He called for balanced immigration policies, pointing out the extremes on both political sides.
Musk expressed concerns over the current U.S. border controls under the Biden administration, claiming that loose policies have led to increased illegal immigration, including criminal elements. He stressed the importance of maintaining reasonable border protections.
Addressing concerns that immigrants take jobs away from American citizens, Musk remarked that there is always a shortage of talented individuals. He emphasized that skilled immigrants are essential in filling talent gaps rather than replacing local workers.
Musk also discussed the H-1B visa program, acknowledging misuse by some outsourcing firms who hire foreign workers at lower wages. However, he warned against shutting down the program, arguing that attracting global talent is critical to U.S. development and innovation. He noted that at his companies, they focus on hiring the best talent and offer competitive salaries.
Overall, Musk advocates for thoughtful immigration reforms that protect borders while still welcoming the global talent needed to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S.
