Elon Musk, known for his strong criticism of illegal immigration and his support for Donald Trump, has been reported to have worked “illegally” in the United States during the early years of his career. According to a report by The Washington Post, Musk, originally from South Africa, dropped out of Stanford University in 1995 to pursue his first venture, Zip2, which he worked on for four years before its sale for approximately $300 million.
The report highlights that Elon Musk was operating without the proper work authorization during this critical period. Colleagues from that time revealed that Musk received his U.S. work authorization around 1997. As a foreign student, Musk was not permitted to leave his studies to establish a business, which raises questions about his immigration status during that time.
Elon Musk himself has described the transition from being a student to an entrepreneur as existing within a “legal grey area.” In a 2020 podcast, he stated, “I was allowed to do work sort of supporting whatever,” suggesting that he believed he was complying with U.S. regulations despite the unconventional circumstances.
While Musk’s early career raises questions about immigration practices, he has been vocal on social media about immigration policies in the United States. Recently, he accused Vice President Kamala Harris of “importing voters” through illegal immigration and likened the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border to a “zombie apocalypse.” These remarks underscore the complex and often contradictory views Musk holds regarding immigration.
As a prominent figure in the tech industry and beyond, Elon Musk’s past and his current rhetoric on immigration highlight a significant contradiction. While he critiques illegal immigration, his own history reveals a nuanced narrative that reflects the challenges faced by many foreign students and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws.
