Elon Musk criticizes US immigration system as “upside-down,” calls for reform

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has voiced frustration over what he views as flaws in the US immigration system, arguing that it poses unnecessary hurdles for highly skilled individuals while making it easier for criminals to enter illegally.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk responded to a comment by Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, who shared his own frustrations over a three-year wait for a green card.

Musk echoed Srinivas’s concerns, stating, “We have an upside-down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally.” Musk pointed out the irony of Nobel Laureates struggling with legal immigration processes, contrasting it with what he implied is a relatively simple path for those entering unlawfully.

Musk's comment aligns with his ongoing support of former President Donald Trump, whom he is endorsing in the 2024 presidential race. His statements have sparked a broader conversation on social media, with over 25 million views and thousands of comments. Many users echoed Musk's sentiments, calling for immigration reforms that would streamline the process for skilled workers and safeguard national resources.

One commenter shared their own struggles with the system, stating that they had to spend $10,000 on legal fees for a green card. Others voiced the idea that attracting talented minds could strengthen the US, while unfettered immigration might drain resources and destabilize the country.

Musk’s remarks have added to the ongoing debate on how best to balance skilled immigration with national security, with many now calling for reforms that would attract top talent to the US.