The Indus Zone Tech Desk | New Delhi | November 30, 2025 — Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has strongly opposed calls to shut down the H-1B visa programme, stating that such a move would harm the United States economy and innovation ecosystem. Musk made these remarks during a recent podcast conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, where he spoke at length about immigration, skilled workers, and US border policies.
“America Has Benefitted Greatly From Indian Talent”
Highlighting the role of Indian professionals in shaping America’s success, Musk said the country has gained immensely from highly skilled Indians who migrated to the US over several decades. He acknowledged that the US emerged as a global technology and innovation hub largely due to its ability to attract top global talent.
Kamath, during the discussion, pointed out that the US was once known for welcoming the smartest minds from around the world but now appears to be shifting towards a more restrictive stance on immigration. Musk agreed, calling the change in narrative concerning.
H-1B Should Be Fixed, Not Scrapped: Elon musk
While recognizing that the H-1B visa programme has seen some misuse, Musk clarified that abolishing it would be a mistake. He said certain outsourcing firms have exploited loopholes in the system but stressed that the priority should be to stop misuse rather than weaken the programme itself.
“Shutting down the H-1B programme would be very bad. The focus should be on fixing what’s broken,” Musk stated.
Backdrop of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Musk’s remarks come at a time when the US government, under President Donald Trump, has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration. In October, Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a move aimed at pushing companies to hire American citizens. However, the decision has sparked strong criticism from the tech industry and global talent advocates.
Sharp Criticism of Border Policies
Musk also took a dig at the previous Joe Biden administration’s border approach, claiming it lacked proper controls and led to a surge in illegal immigration. He argued that strong border enforcement is essential for national stability, stressing that a country cannot function without defined borders.
At the same time, Musk highlighted the political divide surrounding immigration in the US. He said some on the left advocate open borders, while sections on the right believe foreign professionals are taking away domestic jobs.
Talent Shortage in the US Is Real
Despite political tensions, Musk emphasized that America faces a serious shortage of highly skilled workers. According to him, industries working on complex technologies desperately need global talent to stay competitive.
“We struggle to find enough people capable of handling difficult tasks. More talented professionals would clearly benefit the US,” he said.
