Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has reportedly denounced Elon Musk’s defense of the H-1B visa program, which has caused a rift between two factions of President-elect Trump’s most fervent supporters.
Sanders, who has consistently advocated for the increase in wages for American workers, criticized the wealthy tech entrepreneur’s promotion of the foreign visa system, contending that it enhances the wealth of a small number of the nation’s wealthiest families.
“The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire ‘the best and the brightest,’ but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad. The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make.” Sanders wrote.
Elon Musk is wrong.
The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire “the best and the brightest,” but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.
The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make. pic.twitter.com/Mwz7i9TcSM
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 2, 2025
Musk and Trump seem to be in agreement at present regarding the advantages of employing individuals with specific technical capabilities from countries such as India, contending that there is a scarcity of U.S. natives with comparable abilities.
The program is particularly popular among technology businesses, which utilize H-1B visas to expand their operations at a reduced cost.
However, it has faced criticism in recent weeks, particularly from Trump’s own working-class supporters, who largely align with the stance that Sanders espoused in his statement.
The Vermont senator cited one of Musk’s most renowned companies as an illustration of the detrimental effects that relying on such programs can have on workers nationwide who are attempting to maintain their employment.
During the contentious debate, Sanders also advocated for his hallmark proposed minimum wage increase, which has remained at $7.25 per hour.
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