A political storm is brewing in the U.S. over H-1B visas, and India is right at the center of the debate. Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both vocal advocates for recruiting top global talent, are pushing the U.S. government to expand skilled immigration, a move that has angered Donald Trump’s staunchest supporters.
Musk and Ramaswamy argue that America’s tech industry depends on the expertise of engineers and professionals from countries like India. “If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be,” Musk posted on X, pointing out a “permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent” in Silicon Valley.
Ramaswamy, whose Indian immigrant roots inform his views, echoed Musk’s sentiments. “A culture that celebrates mediocrity over excellence... will not produce the best engineers,” he wrote on X. Both tech leaders are urging reforms to the H-1B visa program, which currently caps new entries at 65,000 a year, with an additional 20,000 for those holding advanced degrees.
Where does India stand in the debate? More than 70% of H-1B visa holders hail from India, underscoring the critical role Indian professionals play in powering America’s tech economy. Yet, this reliance has triggered backlash from Trump’s populist base. Far-right commentator Laura Loomer labeled the push for skilled immigration as “not America First,” while accusing Musk and Ramaswamy of prioritizing foreign workers over American jobs.
The debate intensified following the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist, to lead AI policy in Trump’s administration. Krishnan’s support for easing restrictions on green cards for skilled workers has become a flashpoint, with critics accusing him of advancing an “India First” agenda.
What is Trump's opinion? Trump’s own stance on H-1B visas has been inconsistent. His first administration tightened restrictions, arguing the program undermined American workers. However, in recent remarks, Trump expressed openness to granting green cards to foreign graduates of U.S. universities, signaling a softer approach.
For India, the stakes are high. As the largest contributor to the H-1B talent pool, any changes to the program could ripple across its tech industry, remittance economy, and bilateral relations with the U.S.
The clash between Musk’s merit-driven immigration model and Trump’s populist rhetoric underscores a growing divide in U.S. policymaking. For India, this debate not only highlights the importance of its skilled workforce on a global scale but also raises questions about how future U.S. immigration policies will shape opportunities for Indian professionals.