Vinay Kumar
As H-1B remains a concern for US tech workers, a new controversy started when Gavin M Wax, a prominent conservative political strategist and former president of the New York Young Republicans, said that Silicon Valley should be reserved for Americans. Calling is a national security risk to allow immigrants to work in Silicon Valley, Wax wrote: “Silicon Valley is a strategic national asset whose jobs should be legally reserved for US citizens.”The post comes amid growing friction between national-security-focused conservatives and big-tech advocates who argue H‑1B visas are vital to maintaining America’s innovation edge. The latest flashpoint began late last year, when tech leaders including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defended the program. Ramaswamy stirred controversy by asserting that American culture had “venerated mediocrity over excellence,” a line echoed by Musk, who warned of a domestic talent shortageA fresh H-1B row started after the USCIS revealed the number of 2026 H-1B applications that it approved. Though the number if the lowest, MAGA activists are disappointed that the Donald Trump administration is not stopping foreigners from stealing American jobs. While Donald Trump had always been pro-H-1B, recently he said he wants foreign students to come, study and then work in the US, including those from China.Social media reacted sharply to Wax’s post as they questioned whether the activist has any understanding of Silicon Valley’s demography, as more than 60 per cent of Silicon Valley’s workforce is foreign-born. “Tell me you’ve never stepped foot in the valley without telling me you’ve never stepped foot in the valley,” one commented. “If that would be the case, Silicon Valley would be called a Stupid Valley,” another wrote. “This is so beyond incorrect and would destroy innovation. Attracting amazing immigrants is one of our greatest strengths,” a third user wrote. “Over 70% of software engineering jobs in California are taken by someone born outside the USA. That ship sailed ages ago,” one wrote.
