Elon Musk’s advocacy for H-1B visas has intensified divisions within the MAGA movement, with critics accusing him of advancing policies that benefit corporations at the expense of American workers. Musk argues the program is crucial for attracting skilled labor, but opponents claim it undercuts domestic job opportunities.
This is the right position for those who want America to win.
For those who want America to lose for their own personal gain, I have no respect. Zero. https://t.co/2WxAjZzDfW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2024
What about native born Americans who worked like hell and slave away to work hard everyday? Do you respect us native born Americans too?
We feel very disrespected. @elonmusk
Let’s regroup, Elon. This has been destructive. Let’s regroup and talk about this civilly. Let’s talk. https://t.co/KDUtFTad4p
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
Quite the change of tune.
Wonder if he got “the call”. pic.twitter.com/o1Gp8dNYyo
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
The issue gained traction when Musk defended Sriram Krishnan, a Trump advisor supporting green card reforms. Laura Loomer, a vocal MAGA activist, accused Musk of abandoning the movement’s focus on reducing immigration. Loomer further alleged that Musk retaliated against her by revoking her X verification after her criticisms.
.@elonmusk why are you labeling 75% of the replies on my account as “probable spam”?
This is an abuse of power & everyone in MAGA needs to call this behavior out. This is not what we voted for. This is totalitarian censorship and retaliatory behavior over protected free speech. https://t.co/cu6fpthOyl pic.twitter.com/zSyTxym9Ow
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
American workers need to come first before foreign labor.
America is our home not a motel.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 28, 2024
Critics of H-1B visas argue the program allows companies to prioritize cheaper foreign labor over U.S. workers. Steve Bannon has slammed Musk’s position, warning that such policies erode middle-class stability and widen wage gaps. MAGA supporters view these practices as a betrayal of America First principles.
America is a nation of immigrants.
As long as they love this country, work hard, and want to protect our Constitution there should be no problem.
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) December 27, 2024
You aren’t American. This country is nothing but an economic zone to you. You don’t have any ancestoral ties to America and it shows. And YOU don’t get to dictate who stays in the Republican Party.
— pnw Bae 🌲 🌙 (@RaquelWelchh) December 28, 2024
This is a great statement that I agree with
But American workers must come first before foreign workers.
There may be times where brilliant foreigners are a great asset to our country which is good but we mainly need to work on building up our own people.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 27, 2024
Musk’s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, are seen as prime examples of businesses relying on foreign talent. Critics contend this reliance reflects corporate greed rather than a genuine commitment to innovation or American workers. They argue that programs like H-1B perpetuate wage stagnation in critical industries.
Strange…Neither the Founders nor the Inheritors of this Great Nation agree with you.
I would say the authority to decide what America is, lies in our hands not your bank account, sir. pic.twitter.com/IuLpvH7dGw
— Kenneth Jackson (@KJackson012012) December 28, 2024
The land of opportunity FOR AMERICANS, Elon!.
America is not the world.
Choose your merit among your American family or you’re not America First.
We became the Land of Opportunity by putting AMERICANS FIRST.
— Lisa Thelander (@BillKristhole) December 28, 2024
Your seeming unwillingness to acknowledge the H-1B Visa has been abused is troubling. There is an obvious distinction between wanting top talent and wanting cheap entry level labor. You seem to be avoiding that distinction.
— Toobuff (@toobuff) December 27, 2024
While Musk’s defenders say global talent drives economic progress, opponents see a broader trend of U.S. companies laying off American employees while expanding their international workforce. The dispute has highlighted competing priorities within the Republican Party over economic and cultural issues.
Absolutely.
It’s about excellence. Not race or nationality.
Only the bums and sluggards and racists are complaining.
But to be fair, we should not let anyone in who is a criminal or otherwise contributes nothing and only takes from us. The same can be said for those who…
— Dr. C (@OG_DrC) December 27, 2024
They are trying to convince you that giving our jobs to foreigners is good for America because they can pay these people less. They’re trying to take money from you and your family.
Don't fall for their psyop.
— Anthony Holt (@HoltSupremacy) December 28, 2024
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has supported expanding H-1B visas, citing industry demand, but many MAGA activists reject these calls as harmful to American workers.