Tesla has replaced some of its US employees who were let go as part of a big wave of layoffs...

Summary

Tesla replaced many laid-off U.S. workers with foreign H-1B visa holders after a 2024 wave of layoffs affecting 15,000 employees.

These visas, tied to employer sponsorship, often lower compensation and give employers significant leverage over workers.

Critics argue this displaces U.S. employees, as senior engineers were replaced by lower-paid junior engineers.

CEO Elon Musk, while advocating for expanding H-1B visa caps, faces backlash, especially from conservatives, for “job-stealing” concerns.

Musk contends there’s a U.S. skill shortage, but critics highlight potential exploitation tied to Tesla’s demanding work culture and visa dependence.

  • @Ledivin
    17•6 days ago

    The concept of the H1B is fine, but it is way, way, way overused by large companies. They’re not evil, but the way they’re handed out is just not enforced in any reasonable way.

    There are dozens of similarly-skilled US workers for almost every single H1B that’s handed out in the tech industry. People on these visas are just significantly cheaper and will never, ever complain for fear of being deported.

    • @Clinicallydepressedpoochie
      -2•6 days ago

      And why don’t they want to be deported? H1Bs, as shitty as they are, are an opportunity for many. Sure, we should regulate them better but that’s not where the fight is at. This debate you are having inside of a debate is pointless, fruitless, and is exactly what media would like you to do after having seen everyone coalesce around Luigi. This tatic is old and tired and you are tiring me out falling for it every damn time.