NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk proposed major reforms to the H-1B visa program Saturday, suggesting higher minimum salaries and annual fees to make overseas hiring more expensive than domestic recruitment, marking a shift from his previous fierce defense of the program.
“Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B,” Musk wrote on X, responding to criticism that companies exploit the program for cheaper labor. The tech entrepreneur, who entered the U.S. from South Africa on an H-1B visa, had earlier threatened to “go to war” with critics of the program.
The debate intensified after President-elect Trump named Sriram Krishnan as his senior AI policy adviser, drawing backlash from MAGA supporters concerned about tech industry influence on immigration policy. Laura Loomer particularly criticized the growing influence of “tech bros” in Trump’s orbit who favor looser immigration policies.
Trump recently expressed support for the program despite previous criticism. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” he told the New York Post. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
The H-1B program allows 65,000 skilled foreign workers into the U.S. annually. Supporters, including Musk and fellow tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, argue it’s crucial for recruiting top engineering talent, particularly in AI development.
“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” Musk previously wrote, defending the program as essential for recruiting “the top ~0.1% of engineering talent.”
However, his latest comments acknowledge critics’ concerns about wage suppression while expressing confidence in Trump’s planned reforms. “I’m confident that the changes made in the Trump administration will make America much stronger,” Musk said. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
