Tension arises over immigration policy as Trump’s supporters clash
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, a major divide has emerged among his supporters concerning the future of skilled immigration. The debate centers on how much leeway the incoming administration should provide to foreign workers brought to the United States on work visas.
The division pits immigration hardliners against tech industry leaders, such as Elon Musk and venture capitalist David Sacks, who have long relied on skilled foreign labor. This labor, however, is criticized by some, including Trump’s more traditional supporters, who argue it suppresses wages for American workers.
The controversy escalated when far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American venture capitalist, as an advisor on artificial intelligence. Loomer, questioning Krishnan’s potential influence on Trump’s immigration policies, expressed concerns about increasing foreign influence in the administration. She described this as a departure from Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, which has often been centered on reducing immigration.
The tension intensified when Musk defended the use of foreign skilled workers, claiming that US companies need expertise that is not available domestically in sufficient numbers. Musk, a former H-1B visa holder himself, has been an outspoken supporter of expanding work visa programs to fill technical roles.
This clash over immigration is complicated by Musk’s dual positions—supporting legal immigration while opposing illegal immigration. His comments on the topic and his support of the H-1B visa system have raised concerns among some Trump loyalists, such as Loomer, who fear that Musk’s influence may shift Trump’s immigration policies in favor of greater foreign worker access.
The controversy also highlights the ongoing struggles within Trump’s base as the tech industry’s increasing influence in the administration raises questions about the direction of immigration reform. Figures like former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Steve Bannon have criticized Silicon Valley’s reliance on foreign labor, advocating instead for greater investment in the American workforce.
Meanwhile, Musk’s role in reshaping online speech policies on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where Loomer’s account was temporarily blocked, adds another layer to the ongoing battle, with Loomer accusing Musk of censorship in retaliation for her anti-immigration stance.
The debate is shaping up to be a key issue in Trump’s second term, with potential implications for both immigration policy and the future of the tech industry’s relationship with the government.
