With Donald Trump’s re-election, Indian Americans on H-1B visas are asking Elon Musk to advocate for long-awaited reforms.
Many H-1B visa holders voiced their concerns on X (formerly Twitter), urging Musk to support measures that could potentially ease the challenges they face. Below are notable tweets that highlight these ongoing struggles:
1. Long Waits and Limited Opportunities Sanjeev Ranjan shared his message to Musk, “Dear @elonmusk, Congratulations on winning the election! It took you 10 years to obtain citizenship in the USA, including your undergraduate and master’s studies. You moved to the US in 1992 and became a US citizen in 2002. Please do justice for Indian-born H-1B visas.” His post underscores the lengthy wait times and limitations affecting many Indian-born immigrants.
2. Stuck in the System
A user commented, “So many are stuck in this problem unfortunately. And there is a lot of misinformation about this and particular hate for this visa.” The user highlighted the complex social perceptions around the H-1B visa and the hardships that skilled immigrants face in navigating U.S. immigration.
3. The “American Dream” Deferred
Another user shared, “Revive the American dream! The infinite wait time for legal immigrants for Indian-born is a nightmare. I invented a concrete product that will benefit the USA, and being on H-1B, I’m stuck and cannot pursue my dreams because of the complex legal immigration.” This message reflects frustration over limited opportunities to innovate and contribute fully to the U.S. economy.
4. Lack of Green Card Access
One individual noted that Indians are ineligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery, adding, “At least make ALL nationalities eligible for the LOTTERY if they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their undergrad/grad/PhD programs.”
5. Accelerated Citizenship Pathway
One user mentioned, “Many of us (including myself) who came here legally via H1 in the 90s were able to obtain citizenship in less than 10 years. Hope Elon and @realDonaldTrump administration do something about it in providing an accelerated path for those who are here legally.”
6. Call for Expedited Visas
“Expedite the visas for intelligent, law-abiding, tax-paying, highly qualified immigrants. America needs them,” said one individual, adding that worker visas for temporary helpers would also benefit the U.S. by enabling legal entry for essential labor.
7. Uncertainty of Life on H-1B
Another user pleaded, “We are waiting for a green card from the past 10 years too @elonmusk. Please do something for Indian H1B holders. We cannot buy a house and settle as anytime if the renewal is declined, we have to go back.”
8. Support for Student Immigrants
A user suggested making life easier for student immigrants, stating, “@elonmusk, at least make it a point for students who come here on an F1 visa and work hard to get a job and H1-B to make a life for themselves.”
Hopes for Reform Amid Trump’s Strict Immigration Policies
Indian Americans are appealing to Musk’s influence in hopes that Trump’s new administration will address these issues. With Trump’s historically tough stance on immigration, experts predict more restrictions on H-1B visas, potentially affecting Indian IT professionals and companies reliant on these skilled workers. Musk’s support could bring significant attention to their concerns, and potentially, a pathway to reform.
