How Indian Talent Has Boosted US Growth: Insights from Elon Musk

Elon Musk recently stated that the United States has greatly benefited from the talent of Indian professionals. Speaking on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Musk mentioned that anti-immigration sentiments in the U.S. partly stem from the misuse of the H-1B visa program and previously lenient immigration policies.

Amid increasing restrictions and uncertainty around U.S. visa policies, Musk highlighted that America faces a constant shortage of skilled workers. “There’s always a scarcity of talented people. We have trouble finding highly skilled individuals to tackle complex tasks,” he noted. At his companies like Tesla and SpaceX, the priority is hiring the most talented people globally.

Musk criticized the abuse of the H-1B visa by certain outsourcing firms that have “gamed the system” but clarified he does not support shutting the program down. “Ending H-1B would be very harmful,” he said. For years, this visa has enabled professionals from countries like India and China to pursue careers and permanent residency in the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed increasing the H-1B application fee significantly, pointing to misuse and job displacement concerns. However, Trump recently shifted tone, stating that skilled immigrants can help train American workers and are vital for developing advanced technology such as chips and missiles.

India remains the top source of H-1B talent, accounting for 71% of accepted applicants. Musk also emphasized the need for effective border control, criticizing the open-border approach under President Biden’s administration. “Without border control, you’re not a country,” he added.

Elon Musk, H-1B visa, Indian talent, US immigration, skilled workers