Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently praised the impact of Indian talent in the United States, stating that America has “benefited immensely” from skilled Indian professionals. Speaking with Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder of Zerodha, Musk highlighted how Indian immigrants have significantly contributed to the growth of innovation and the U.S. economy, particularly in technology sectors.
Musk emphasized the need for balanced immigration policies. He criticized the Biden administration for lacking proper border control, claiming it has led to a surge in illegal immigration. According to Musk, open borders can attract the wrong individuals and create flawed incentives where even criminals can take advantage of the system.
Addressing concerns about job competition, Musk noted that there’s a common belief on the political right that immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens. However, he argued that there’s actually a shortage of talented individuals, and skilled immigrants are valuable in filling those gaps.
On the subject of H-1B visas, Musk acknowledged that some outsourcing companies have misused the program by hiring cheaper foreign labor. However, he warned that terminating the program could hurt the U.S. economy. He emphasized that his companies prioritize hiring exceptionally talented people and offer above-average pay, distancing himself from cost-cutting practices seen elsewhere.
Musk urged reforms to prevent exploitation of the H-1B visa system but stressed that the program itself is crucial for attracting high-level global talent.
