U.S. Department of Labor or Electrek data reports

Tesla Accused of Replacing U.S. Workers With H-1B Visa Holders, Approves 742 New and 1,025 Continuing Petitions

Jan 2, 2025, 08:20 PM

Tesla Inc. has been accused of replacing thousands of laid-off U.S. workers with foreign employees on H-1B visas, according to data from Electrek and the U.S. Department of Labor. The company's founder, Elon Musk, who himself benefited from an H-1B visa early in his career, is a vocal supporter of the program. Tesla's use of the H-1B visa program jumped sharply this year, with 742 approved petitions for initial employment and 1,025 for continuing employment. The controversy has sparked debates over labor practices and the role of the H-1B visa program in the American job market. Critics argue that the program allows companies to undercut American wages, while supporters, including Musk, believe it is essential for attracting skilled talent to the U.S.