Sun Sep 21 04:58:01 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Musk’s H-1B Flip-Flop Resurfaces as Trump’s Immigration Overhaul Sparks Controversy**
Washington D.C. – As President Trump’s latest immigration reforms, including a dramatic increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000, draw criticism and spark debate within the tech industry, Elon Musk’s past pronouncements on the visa program have resurfaced. The South African-born entrepreneur, once a Trump ally, has publicly shifted his stance on the H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations.
Musk, who himself immigrated to the US, initially defended the H-1B program, even stating in a 2024 X post, “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.” He also pledged to “go to war” to defend the program.
However, within 24 hours, Musk appeared to backtrack, stating the H-1B system “needs to be overhauled.” He suggested raising the minimum salary for H-1B workers and adding a yearly maintenance cost to make hiring foreign workers more expensive than domestic ones.
Trump’s administration defended the increased fees and new “Gold Card” visa program, stating they are intended to incentivize the hiring of American workers and protect American jobs. Critics, however, argue the moves will stifle innovation and harm the US’s ability to attract top talent. The administration also announced a “Gold Card” visa program comprising of Trump Gold Card and Trump Platinum Card for individuals, and Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. These cards provide exclusive privileges and seek to replace employment-based visas that offer paths to citizenship, including for professors, scientists, artists and athletes.
First Piper 