The intersection of celebrity and policy debates took center stage this week when bestselling author Stephen King criticized billionaire Elon Musk over his stance on H-1B visas. In a post on Bluesky, King aimed Musk's apparent preference for highly skilled immigrants, writing: "Musk thinks it's OK for smart immigrants to hang around. The rest of you guys who wash dishes, drive trucks, cook meals … just get lost."
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King's comment reflects broader concerns about how immigration policies prioritize certain workers while leaving others behind, particularly those surrounding the H-1B visa program. The program, established under the Immigration Act of 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers for specialized technology, engineering and science roles. While proponents argue it fills critical labor gaps, critics claim it displaces American workers and drives down wages in key industries.
Musk, a vocal advocate for the program and a beneficiary of it during his early years in the United States, has defended H-1B visas with fervor. In late December, Musk posted on X: "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. Take a big step back and F** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend."
According to Newsweek, Musk's support for the visa program aligns with his business interests, as Tesla hired over 700 H-1B workers in 2023 alone. Yet his stance has sparked a backlash among Trump-aligned conservatives, who view the program as inconsistent with "America First" policies.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer, for example, criticized Musk and Trump for their support of H-1B visas, accusing them of prioritizing Silicon Valley interests over American workers.
In December, Trump maintained a favorable view of the program, telling the New York Post: "I've always liked the visas. I have always been in favor of the visas. That's why we have them. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program."
King's criticism adds a cultural dimension to what has largely been an economic and political debate. Known for his outspoken views on social media, King often uses his platform to comment on political and social issues, from gun control to presidential elections. This isn't the first time the author has clashed with Musk online – King has previously mocked and disagreed with Musk on X, fueling an ongoing public feud between the two.
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The H-1B visa program remains a polarizing topic. Critics, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, argue it benefits billionaires and corporations at the expense of American workers.
Others, like Jeanne Batalova of the Migration Policy Institute, see the program as essential for addressing labor shortages in specialized industries. Speaking to Yahoo Finance, Batalova noted, "This program should not and was not intended to substitute American talent. It was designed to supplement it and, by and large, it has been working."
Musk is both a symbol of the program's potential success and a lightning rod for criticism. Meanwhile, King's sharp critique highlights the social implications of immigration policies that prioritize certain workers over others.
As debates over immigration reform continue, the tension between economic pragmatism and cultural values remains unresolved. King's comments may not sway policymakers, but they have amplified a conversation that extends beyond the tech industry and into the heart of America's identity as a nation of immigrants.
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