Elon Musk’s former aide says US firms are using H-1B visas to “import Indians”

Former DOGE adviser and an aide to Elon Musk, James Fishback, has called for a complete end to the H-1B visa program, claiming that American companies are deliberately overlooking US workers in favor of foreign talent—particularly from India and China.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Fishback, who now leads the venture firm Azoria, said that major US technology companies including Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple prefer hiring Indian and Chinese professionals instead of Americans. “Here’s the ugly truth: they’re not even looking for Americans. They refuse to interview them. They hide job postings in obscure newspapers to ‘check the box,’ and when no one ‘applies,’ they import another foreign worker—denying yet another qualified American a job, a wage, and the dignity and purpose that come with both,” he said.

Fishback described the H-1B visa system as a “disgraceful” practice that undermines local employment and wages. “It’s time to finally and fully dismantle the H-1B scam,” he added.



He also opposed legal immigration, saying the United States no longer needs to depend on foreign workers for economic growth. “I support a complete immigration moratorium. Because what makes America special isn’t who we import—it’s who we already have. This nation is overflowing with talent, grit, and brilliance. Millions of Americans are underemployed, underpaid, or overlooked. They are eager to work hard and contribute,” Fishback said.

Addressing Indian and Chinese professionals who seek opportunities in the US, Fishback said, “To those abroad who love freedom and dream of coming here: I don’t blame you. You want what we have. But your countries need you. Too many great minds have left their homelands, hollowing them out in the process. Stay there. Build something worthy there. Make your nation strong, as we make ours great again.”

Fishback’s comments, shared widely on social media, come at a time when the US is reviewing its visa and immigration policies. India remains the largest source of H-1B visa holders, accounting for nearly three-fourths of the total. His remarks are expected to reignite debate between American policymakers who favor tighter immigration controls and India’s technology industry, which views the H-1B program as vital for its global operations.