Elon Musk praised the contributions of talented Indians to the United States during his appearance on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s “People by WTF” podcast. He noted that some of America’s stricter immigration policies stem from the misuse of the H-1B visa program and the previous administration’s overly permissive approach.
Musk observed that, despite concerns among some Americans about foreign workers “taking jobs,” there is a persistent shortage of skilled talent. At his companies—Tesla, SpaceX, X, and XAI—the goal is to attract the most talented people globally.
Regarding H-1B visas, Musk acknowledged misuse by some outsourcing firms but emphasized that the program itself should not be shut down, warning that doing so would be harmful. Historically, H-1B visas have allowed engineers and scientists from India, China, and other countries to secure high-paying jobs and potential permanent residency in the US. Last year, India accounted for 71% of approved H-1B beneficiaries, with China at 11.7%.
Musk also discussed the importance of border controls, criticizing the Biden administration for effectively allowing unchecked immigration, which he said created perverse incentives for illegal entry.
On a lighter note, Kamath shared that he has no children, and Musk encouraged him to consider parenthood, highlighting the joy and purpose he finds in raising children. The conversation briefly turned humorous when Kamath complimented Musk’s physique, prompting a playful response from Musk.
The episode also highlighted the mission of the “WTF” podcast, which aims to create a knowledge-driven platform for entrepreneurs and innovators, offering in-depth analysis, diverse perspectives, and a space for discussing complex topics.
