The debate over H-1B visas between Musk and MAGA sidelines a critical problem
This article critiques the immigration scheme, labeling it as fundamentally racist and anti-meritocratic. The author provides personal insight into the issue, emphasizing their expertise on the matter. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The immigration scheme is inherently racist and anti-meritocratic – and I should know
The H-1B visa program is a disadvantage for everyone involved. The ongoing clash between Elon Musk and supporters of former President Trump overlooks a crucial aspect of the discussion.
The situation escalated when a user on Musk’s X platform pointed out the divide among Trump’s supporters: one faction argues for the necessity of foreign "skilled workers," while another advocates for prioritizing American jobs for Americans.
Musk asserted that “bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent is essential for America to keep winning,” and responded to critics saying, “go f**k yourself in the face,” labeling them “subtards.”
Musk, as a migrant from South Africa who arrived via Canada, deemed himself a product of migration. He touted his contributions, calling those within the Republican Party opposing his stance “hateful, unrepentant racists” and “contemptible fools.”
However, the problem lies within the program itself, which is fundamentally racist. Instead of increasing worker permits, as proposed by Trump’s new AI policy adviser, Sriram Krishnan, the program should be abolished.
As a Canadian who was recruited to co-host a national nightly TV news show in New York City, my employer had to seek government approval for my work permit. To justify hiring me over an American, they had to provide strong evidence. I learned that the H-1B “skilled worker” visa was the easiest to obtain; all that was needed was a college degree or relevant experience and a statement from the employer. This isn’t indicative of the high-caliber workers that the label suggests.
From the beginning, I was advised against applying for the H-1B visa. The reason? I was Canadian. Even two decades ago, it was common knowledge that nearly all H-1B visas went to Indians seeking jobs in Silicon Valley, as US immigration data supports. In 2019, it was reported that 75% of H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals, with Chinese citizens capturing 12% and Canadians just 1%.
It’s difficult to believe that Canadians are less educated or less motivated to work in the US. They simply lack the backing of Big Tech, which floods US immigration with applications for predominantly Indian nationals every year, making it nearly impossible for a single deserving individual—truly a minority—to gain any consideration.
The H-1B visa serves as a modern-day slavery scheme primarily benefiting workers from developing countries. While the salaries offered are not particularly low—averaging over $100,000—this visa’s connection to employers creates an environment where employees feel pressured to accept unfavorable conditions that American workers would likely reject. This dynamic appears appealing to individuals like Musk, who might envision a workplace atmosphere resembling an endless slumber party.
Ultimately, I obtained an O-1 visa, designated for individuals with "extraordinary ability." This required proof of being among the elite in one’s field, per US immigration standards. With this visa, transitions between employers are straightforward, and there's no cap limiting the number of applications, unlike the H-1B process, which disproportionately benefits a specific nationality, illustrating systemic racism.
The O-1 visa category is what truly attracts the best talent, aligning with arguments made by individuals like Musk about the need for competition on a global scale. So why don’t they promote this category for foreign recruits? The answer is likely that many wouldn’t meet the high standards necessary to prove they are leaders in their field. They would need to provide evidence of public recognition, expert references highlighting their contributions, and participation in industry panels. This reality contradicts the narrative Musk suggests about who is being brought into Silicon Valley.
If Musk is genuinely concerned about racism in the discussion surrounding the H-1B program, why does he overlook its consistent marginalization of non-Indians and the rigidity it imposes on the primarily Indian workforce?
Trump’s MAGA supporters have tapped into a broader issue with an immigration initiative that corporate America has long exploited, masking its inherently racist nature as a system of meritocracy—yet they are the ones labeled as bigots?
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
The H-1B visa program is a disadvantage for everyone involved. The ongoing clash between Elon Musk and supporters of former President Trump overlooks a crucial aspect of the discussion.
The situation escalated when a user on Musk’s X platform pointed out the divide among Trump’s supporters: one faction argues for the necessity of foreign "skilled workers," while another advocates for prioritizing American jobs for Americans.
Musk asserted that “bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent is essential for America to keep winning,” and responded to critics saying, “go f**k yourself in the face,” labeling them “subtards.”
Musk, as a migrant from South Africa who arrived via Canada, deemed himself a product of migration. He touted his contributions, calling those within the Republican Party opposing his stance “hateful, unrepentant racists” and “contemptible fools.”
However, the problem lies within the program itself, which is fundamentally racist. Instead of increasing worker permits, as proposed by Trump’s new AI policy adviser, Sriram Krishnan, the program should be abolished.
As a Canadian who was recruited to co-host a national nightly TV news show in New York City, my employer had to seek government approval for my work permit. To justify hiring me over an American, they had to provide strong evidence. I learned that the H-1B “skilled worker” visa was the easiest to obtain; all that was needed was a college degree or relevant experience and a statement from the employer. This isn’t indicative of the high-caliber workers that the label suggests.
From the beginning, I was advised against applying for the H-1B visa. The reason? I was Canadian. Even two decades ago, it was common knowledge that nearly all H-1B visas went to Indians seeking jobs in Silicon Valley, as US immigration data supports. In 2019, it was reported that 75% of H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals, with Chinese citizens capturing 12% and Canadians just 1%.
It’s difficult to believe that Canadians are less educated or less motivated to work in the US. They simply lack the backing of Big Tech, which floods US immigration with applications for predominantly Indian nationals every year, making it nearly impossible for a single deserving individual—truly a minority—to gain any consideration.
The H-1B visa serves as a modern-day slavery scheme primarily benefiting workers from developing countries. While the salaries offered are not particularly low—averaging over $100,000—this visa’s connection to employers creates an environment where employees feel pressured to accept unfavorable conditions that American workers would likely reject. This dynamic appears appealing to individuals like Musk, who might envision a workplace atmosphere resembling an endless slumber party.
Ultimately, I obtained an O-1 visa, designated for individuals with "extraordinary ability." This required proof of being among the elite in one’s field, per US immigration standards. With this visa, transitions between employers are straightforward, and there's no cap limiting the number of applications, unlike the H-1B process, which disproportionately benefits a specific nationality, illustrating systemic racism.
The O-1 visa category is what truly attracts the best talent, aligning with arguments made by individuals like Musk about the need for competition on a global scale. So why don’t they promote this category for foreign recruits? The answer is likely that many wouldn’t meet the high standards necessary to prove they are leaders in their field. They would need to provide evidence of public recognition, expert references highlighting their contributions, and participation in industry panels. This reality contradicts the narrative Musk suggests about who is being brought into Silicon Valley.
If Musk is genuinely concerned about racism in the discussion surrounding the H-1B program, why does he overlook its consistent marginalization of non-Indians and the rigidity it imposes on the primarily Indian workforce?
Trump’s MAGA supporters have tapped into a broader issue with an immigration initiative that corporate America has long exploited, masking its inherently racist nature as a system of meritocracy—yet they are the ones labeled as bigots?
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
