Elon Musk Defends Sriram Krishnan Amid Immigration Policy Controversy

Elon Musk has sparked debate with his defense of Sriram Krishnan, the new Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence, appointed by Donald Trump. Musk dismissed criticism surrounding Krishnan’s stance on immigration, specifically green card country caps, as a “fixed pie fallacy.” Musk argued on X (formerly Twitter) that economic growth is limitless, citing innovations from the past few decades to illustrate the potential for job creation.

The controversy erupted when investigative journalist Laura Loomer criticized Krishnan's pro-immigration stance, claiming it conflicts with Trump's "America First" agenda. Krishnan had tweeted in favor of removing country caps on green cards, which allocate an equal number of green cards to all countries regardless of applicant volume. This policy disproportionately affects Indian applicants, who face an 11-year wait compared to immediate availability for applicants from smaller nations.

David Sacks, Trump’s AI and cryptocurrency advisor, clarified Krishnan’s position. Sacks explained that Krishnan advocates for merit-based green card policies, ensuring the U.S. attracts the best talent. Notably, Krishnan’s stance does not support unlimited immigration but focuses on skilled professionals, aligning with conservative principles.

Prominent figures like entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale backed Krishnan, emphasizing the importance of skilled immigration for America’s economic and technological leadership. Lonsdale highlighted the need to prioritize talent acquisition while opposing an influx of low-skilled immigrants.

Krishnan’s appointment signals the Trump administration’s commitment to advancing AI policy. Working alongside Sacks, Krishnan will help shape government-wide AI strategies, ensuring the U.S. maintains its global leadership in this critical sector. Starting his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure, Krishnan brings significant expertise to his new role. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he pledged to prioritize American innovation and leadership in AI.

This debate underscores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, particularly in balancing "America First" goals with the need for top global talent. Musk’s comments and Krishnan’s approach highlight a pragmatic perspective on skilled immigration, challenging misconceptions about its impact on the U.S. economy.

Refrence From: www.hindustantimes.com​