Screw Yourself: Why Elon Musk Declared Civil War on MAGA Over H-1B Visas | World News

“Take a big step back and fuck yourself in the face.”**
Even by Elon Musk’s sui generis standards, this post on X (formerly Twitter) was a spicy chef’s kiss. His thunderous response was directed not at bureaucrats or the usual “blue check” brigade, but at a Trump supporter who criticized H-1B visas. Musk’s passionate defense wasn’t just personal; It was a gauntlet thrown down in a battle that broke out in the Republican tent.

Musk’s unfiltered defense of H-1B visas

“The reason I am in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that have made America strong is because of H-1B,” Musk wrote. Then, with all the subtlety of a flamethrower (one he probably designed himself): “Take a big step back and fuck yourself in the face. I will go to war over this matter that you cannot possibly imagine.” Fans will of course notice that this is a key line from Tropic Thunder (see post above).
The rallying cry wasn’t just another Musk moment; It was a microphone crash in the middle of an escalation MAGA civil war about the immigration of skilled workers.

MAGA vs. Tech Bros.: The Immigration Implosion

On one side are the tech giants – Musk, Google, Meta, NVIDIA – all staunch supporters of the H-1B visa program. For Silicon Valley, the numbers speak louder than words: Over 70% of tech workers at companies like Google, Meta and NVIDIA are foreign-born, many coming through the H-1B program. At SpaceX and Tesla, immigrants make up nearly 40% of the workforce, particularly in specialized roles like engineering and AI.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, employs over 150,000 people worldwide, with a significant portion of technical positions held by H-1B visa holders. Likewise, Meta employs over 86,000 people, approximately 65% ​​of whom are immigrant in technical and engineering positions. At NVIDIA, the leader in AI and GPU technologies, immigrants make up more than 68% of the technical team and drive innovations that dominate global markets.
In the last fiscal year, 70% of all H-1B visa approvals went to technology companies, showing that they rely on this program to sustain growth and innovation. Meanwhile, an estimated 300,000 H-1B visa holders are stuck in green card backlogs, mostly from countries like India, waiting more than a decade to obtain permanent residency.

Why the H-1B visa is a lifeline for US technology

The U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually, including 65,000 new visas and 20,000 for advanced degree holders. Despite these numbers, demand far exceeds supply: in 2024 alone, companies submitted over 780,000 applications. This program is not just a convenience; It is the backbone of American technological superiority.
Companies like Tesla, SpaceX and Apple benefit from global talent pools. SpaceX’s breakthroughs in reusable rockets, Starlink satellite deployment and interplanetary exploration have been heavily supported by immigrant engineers. Likewise, Tesla’s advances in electric vehicles and AI-driven autonomous systems owe much to its globally diverse workforce.

The nativist counterargument

Despite its successes, the H-1B program is not without criticism. The nativist wing of MAGA argues that the program displaces American workers and drives down wages. They cite instances of abuse in which companies use the program to hire foreign workers cheaper than equally qualified Americans. A 2023 Department of Labor report found that 12% of H-1B applications were flagged for wage inconsistencies, adding to these allegations.
Far-right figures like Laura Loomer have used these claims to target tech leaders, labeling them as out-of-touch elites who put profits over patriotism. This tension reveals the broader MAGA divide: a faction that favors economic nationalism clashes with a faction that sees immigration as a strategic necessity.

Musk’s argument: The numbers don’t lie

Musk and his allies argue that there is not a surplus of talent in the United States, but rather a shortage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 500,000 unfilled technology jobs in the U.S., from software development to cybersecurity. Universities produce about 50,000 computer science graduates annually, a fraction of what the industry needs.
Additionally, the contributions of H-1B workers extend beyond filling roles. Immigrant-led startups make up 55% of Silicon Valley’s unicorn companies, with a combined valuation of over $1 trillion. Immigrants like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Jensen Huang (NVIDIA) haven’t just filled jobs – they’ve redefined industries.

The Future of H-1B: Reform or Cut?

As the H-1B debate grows more heated, proposals for reform have emerged. Proponents propose removing country-specific caps on green cards, increasing visa quotas and improving opportunities for H-1B workers to obtain permanent residency. They argue that these changes would reduce exploitation and unleash the full potential of skilled immigrants.
But opponents call for stricter oversight to prevent abuses and prioritize hiring American workers. Trump himself has walked a tightrope on this issue, advocating meritocratic immigration while appeasing his nativist base.

Musk’s war cry and America’s dilemma

It’s not just about visas. Musk’s defiance embodies a larger struggle over America’s identity – a struggle between nostalgia for a bygone era and the realities of a globalized future. As the MAGA coalition fractures over H-1B, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will the US escalate its isolationism or embrace the global talent that drives its innovation?
For Musk, the answer is obvious. As he builds rockets to Mars and AI to revolutionize industry, he needs the best minds from around the world. Whether America’s immigration policy is consistent with this vision remains to be seen. One thing is certain: This fight is far from over, and the future of American innovation is at stake.