Bernie Sanders has said: Elon Musk is wrong, the main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire “the best and the brightest,” but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad

Bernie Sanders has said:

Elon Musk is wrong.

The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire “the best and the brightest,” but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.

The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make.

Elon Musk acknowledged that the H1-B visa system is flawed and proposed potential reforms to address its issues. Amid debates within the MAGA base over the program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S., Musk suggested making it more expensive to hire overseas talent compared to domestic workers. He recommended raising the minimum salary significantly and adding an annual cost to maintain H1-B visas, aiming to ensure companies prioritize hiring U.S. talent.

Musk’s comments came as a response to concerns that H1-B visas are being exploited to hire lower-wage workers instead of fulfilling their intended purpose of addressing skill shortages. While defending the program's value, he highlighted its role in attracting top-tier talent essential for technological advancements and economic growth. Musk credited H1-B visas with enabling him and others to contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, particularly in building companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

The debate intensified after the announcement of venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as senior policy adviser for AI in the incoming Trump administration. Critics within the MAGA base, such as Laura Loomer, expressed frustration over what they saw as lax immigration views among “tech bros” in Trump’s circle. Others argued that the program can act as a form of indentured servitude and is exploited for cheaper labor. There were also broader concerns about the U.S. education system’s failure to produce enough skilled talent to compete with international applicants.

President-elect Donald Trump, a supporter of the H1-B program despite his stance on illegal immigration, defended its role in fostering economic growth. In his first administration, Trump introduced stricter regulations on the program, and his upcoming term is expected to continue reform efforts under the guidance of immigration hardliner Stephen Miller.

Musk, himself a beneficiary of the H1-B system, passionately defended it, arguing that it’s essential for recruiting exceptional talent and maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in technology and innovation.