President-elect Donald Trump has publicly sided with billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk in a heated debate over the use of the H-1B visa program, igniting discussions across the nation. This unexpected alliance has surprised many, particularly among Trump’s supporters who oppose the program.
The controversy began when Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to social media late Friday to express his unwavering support for the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Musk vowed to go to “war” to defend the program, highlighting its importance to the technology sector.
In response, Trump affirmed his backing of the H-1B visa program in an interview with The New York Post on Saturday. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he stated, signaling a departure from his previous stance during his first presidency when he moved to limit the visas’ use.
The debate was further fueled by criticism from far-right activists over Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American venture capitalist, as an adviser on artificial intelligence. Critics argued that Krishnan’s appointment would influence the administration’s immigration policies, sparking a broader discussion on the role of skilled immigrants in the U.S.
Steve Bannon, a longtime confidante of Trump, added to the controversy by critiquing “big tech oligarchs” for supporting the H-1B program, framing immigration as a threat to Western civilization. This stance intensified the divide between immigration hard-liners and those advocating for the benefits of legal immigration.
Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa who once held an H-1B visa himself, defended the program by distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration. His company, Tesla, secured 724 H-1B visas this year alone, underscoring the program’s significance to the tech industry.
The H-1B visa program, which allows foreign workers to stay in the U.S. for three years with options to extend or apply for permanent residency, has been a point of contention amid debates over job creation and immigration policies. Trump’s recent support indicates a potential shift in his approach, emphasizing the value of skilled foreign workers to the American economy.
As discussions continue, the tech industry and immigration advocates watch closely to see how policies may evolve under the new administration. The intersection of technology, immigration, and economic growth remains a critical topic for many stakeholders, both within the U.S. and globally.
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Trump sides with Elon Musk in H-1B visa program, triggering debate
cgtn.com
