How Talented Indians on H-1B Visas Boost the US Economy

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, stated that the United States has significantly benefited from talented individuals from India. In a podcast with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Musk strongly supported the H-1B visa program, warning that shutting it down would hurt the U.S. economy.

While acknowledging some misuse of the program, especially by outsourcing firms, Musk emphasized the need to reform, not eliminate, the system. He disagreed with those who want to stop the H-1B visa, noting the important role skilled foreign professionals, especially from India, play in American industries.

The U.S. government has increased scrutiny of the H-1B visa, which largely impacts Indian professionals in tech and healthcare. A previous administration introduced measures like hefty fees for new H-1B applicants.

On immigration, Musk said the U.S. has lacked balance. He criticized open-border policies and highlighted the risks of encouraging illegal immigration, insisting that some level of control is necessary to maintain national integrity.

He expressed concern that political extremes cause confusion. While some on the left support open borders without limits, others on the right claim foreign workers are taking U.S. jobs. Musk countered this by stating his own experience shows a constant need for highly skilled talent, regardless of nationality.

Musk explained that his companies focus on hiring the most talented people and offer above-average salaries, rather than cutting costs through foreign hiring. He advised young Indian entrepreneurs to focus on building value, stating, “Be a net contributor to society and money will follow.”

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