Despite the Trump administration's attempts to restrict immigration, Elon Musk has a better idea. Killing two birds with one stone, he argues that only bringing highly skilled foreign workers into the United States could save Silicon Valley.
“The number of super talented, super motivated engineers in the US is too low,” Musk wrote on his social platform X.
Many people, especially Native Americans, were not happy with his statement. To that end, he further explained, “Of course, my companies and I want to hire Americans, and we do, because it is much easier than going through the extremely painful and slow process of getting a work visa […] however, there is a serious shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in the United States.”
Elon Musk’s DOGE partner Vivek Ramaswamy similarly argued that there are too few competitive engineering candidates coming from the United States, saying it’s a cultural issue. DOGE’s new initiative has appeased many immigrants, as it seems like America is giving them a chance. However, many American jobs are at stake.
From Anti-Immigration to Pro-Immigration? Only for Silicon Valley
Musk's comments come as some immigration hardliners have expressed concern about President-elect Trump's selection of Indian-American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as an AI adviser in the new administration.
Krishnan previously pushed Musk, who is close to Trump and will chair the Department of Government Efficiency, to convince the president to lift green card barriers for highly talented individuals born in other countries.
David Sacks, Trump's White House AI and crypto czar, defended Krishnan's position in a post on X. "Sriram still supports skills-based criteria for green cards, not making the program unlimited. In fact, he wants to make the program entirely merit-based," he said. Elon Musk responded to the conversation by asserting, "Makes sense."
However, Laura Loomer, a staunch Trump supporter, criticized Krishnan’s appointment, saying he wants to lift green card restrictions for foreign students. She argued that foreigners would take away jobs that should go to American STEM students.
“It is alarming to see the number of professional leftists now being appointed to serve in the Trump administration who share views that are diametrically opposed to Trump’s America First agenda,” she added.
Trump is poised to implement an ambitious and controversial immigration strategy that includes mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and potential naturalized citizens, making the discussion of Silicon Valley’s hiring practices timely. Musk and Ramaswamy have both expressed support for Trump’s immigration policies.
Silicon Valley's National Security Shift Under the Trump Administration
Eight years ago, no one in Silicon Valley supported Donald Trump. However, Trump and his party seem to have made inroads in Silicon Valley in recent years. Several tech executives who previously supported Democrats have endorsed Trump's presidential campaign this year.
In addition to his number one supporter, Musk, many of Trump's Silicon Valley candidates have also endorsed his campaign, demonstrating the president-elect's willingness to reward loyalty in his new administration.
Silicon Valley is rapidly falling apart in Washington as tech leaders take on key roles in President-elect Trump's second term, both formally and informally.
In terms of status, David Sacks, a venture capitalist, was appointed by President Trump earlier this month to serve as the White House administrator for AI and cryptocurrency. The position is responsible for directing the administration's policy on the two technologies.
Additionally, Trump appointed Jacob Helberg, senior adviser to the CEO of Palantir Technologies, as Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
Additionally, Jim O'Neill, a biotech investor and close colleague of venture capitalist Peter Thiel, will become the administration's deputy secretary of Health and Human Services.
Trump is reportedly considering appointing Palantir's chief technology officer, Shyam Sankar, to the position of director of research and engineering at the Department of Defense. However, Anduril co-founder Trae Stephens has been considered for a position at the Pentagon.
Trump's allies are now a consistent parade of Silicon Valley moguls. This ensures that the companies involved enjoy many advantages. For example, the US government will be reluctant to impose excessive restrictions on the development of AI.
This is if it increasingly sees its dominance in technology as a matter of national security of almost existential strategic importance. Indeed, under the new Trump administration, more deregulation is likely.
There is, however, reason to be concerned about the growing collaboration between elements of Silicon Valley and the national security apparatus. There are also implications for future technology growth, tensions with China, and the intertwining of military and economic power.
The rise of Silicon Valley's securitization will impact the kinds of breakthroughs that emerge from the tech sector. Technologies designed for the military, such as drones and surveillance tools, are likely to trickle into civilian life. It could potentially introduce new, increasingly dangerous technology.
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