Tesla CEO Elon Musk has defended the H-1B visa programme, emphasizing that the United States has “benefited immensely” from Indian talent. Musk made the remarks during a podcast conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the “WTF is?” podcast, released Sunday.

Musk highlighted the growing need for high-skill workers from India, noting that US companies, including his own, frequently struggle to fill specialised positions due to a shortage of qualified professionals. “America has been an immense beneficiary of talent from India,” he said, stressing that the H-1B programme is a vital channel for global expertise.

While supporting the visa system, Musk also acknowledged its vulnerabilities, particularly misuse by some outsourcing companies. He criticised firms that “have kind of gamed the system” and called for reforms to address loopholes rather than shutting down the programme entirely. “I’m absolutely not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H-1B programme,” Musk said, countering calls from certain political circles.

Musk linked broader immigration debates to past policy failures, arguing that previous approaches encouraged illegal immigration and a “negative selection effect.” He stressed the importance of border controls, stating: “Unless you’ve got border controls, you’re not a country.”

The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of the H-1B programme under President Donald Trump’s second term. While the administration has tightened regulations, it continues to recognize the importance of skilled foreign workers. In September, Trump introduced a $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B applications to close perceived loopholes, though renewals and current visa holders remain unaffected.

Created under the Immigration Act of 1990, the H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in speciality occupations. Congress caps the programme at 65,000 visas per year, with Indians consistently receiving the majority of approvals—71% in 2024—followed by Chinese nationals at 12%. Including renewals, nearly 400,000 applications were approved in 2024.

Despite stricter enforcement, Trump has repeatedly acknowledged the economic value of H-1B visas. In a November 11 interview with Fox News, he noted that attracting international talent is essential for investment and innovation, saying: “You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘I’m going to put you into a factory.’”

Musk’s comments underscore the critical role of skilled Indian professionals in the US economy and the ongoing debate over balancing immigration, economic needs, and programme integrity.