October 28, 2024 – Recent allegations have surfaced suggesting that Elon Musk may have worked illegally in the United States during the 1990s, while he was building his first startup, Zip2. According to a report by The Washington Post, Musk allegedly lacked the necessary work authorization during his early years in the U.S. on a student visa. However, Musk has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that he adhered to all visa requirements during his time in the country.
Musk explained that he initially entered the U.S. on a J-1 visa, which allowed him to work within academic guidelines. He later transitioned to an H-1B visa, which permits temporary professional employment in specialized fields. Addressing the controversy, Musk took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to clarify his immigration status and dismiss the accusations as baseless.
“I have always complied with U.S. visa requirements,” Musk stated. “These allegations are completely unfounded and misleading.”
The controversy has drawn significant attention from political figures, including President Joe Biden, who criticized Musk’s stance on immigration policies. Biden highlighted the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address such issues.
Musk, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has frequently advocated for stricter immigration policies. This latest controversy adds another layer to the ongoing debate over immigration and the contributions of immigrants to the tech industry.
As the discussion unfolds, the tech community and the public are closely watching how this situation develops. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for immigration policy and the tech sector.