Tech titan Elon Musk weighs in on green card process for AI entrepreneur
Elon musk, CEO of Tesla and spacex, recently offered a concise but powerful endorsement to Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of AI-powered search engine perplexity, who sought advice on his green card application.Srinivas, an Indian-born entrepreneur, took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask, “I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?” Musk’s simple “Yes,” garnered significant attention, prompting Srinivas to express his gratitude with heart and folded hands emojis. The exchange highlights the complexities of the US immigration system, notably for highly skilled individuals. Srinivas, an alumnus of IIT madras, holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. His impressive resume includes research internships at OpenAI, as well as positions at tech giants Google and DeepMind. Before co-founding Perplexity in 2022 alongside Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats, and Johnny Ho, Srinivas returned to OpenAI as a research scientist. This interaction wasn’t the first exchange between Musk and Srinivas. Just days prior, Musk commented on Srinivas’ post regarding the challenges of obtaining a green card. Musk stated, “We have an upside down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally. Why is easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate? @realDonaldTrump and DOGE will fix this,” referencing the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). ## Elon Musk Backs AI CEO’s Green Card Bid, Sparking Immigration Debate
**Archyde:** Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity, recently sparked a conversation about the U.S. immigration system when he sought advice on his green card application from Tesla and spacex CEO Elon Musk.Musk’s simple “Yes” response drew meaningful attention, highlighting the complexities faced by skilled professionals navigating the green card process. Srinivas, an IIT Madras alumnus with a PhD from UC Berkeley and a distinguished career at leading tech companies, exemplifies the type of talent whose contributions could be vital to the U.S.
**Archyde:** Mr.srinivas, what prompted you to reach out to Elon Musk on this particular issue?
**Srinivas:** I was discussing the challenges of the green card process on X, and the complexities involved, and Mr. Musk’s response resonated with the sentiment I was expressing.
**Archyde:** Elon Musk’s comments went beyond a simple endorsement, pointing to the seemingly inverted priorities of the immigration system.What are your thoughts on his statement about the ease with which criminals can enter the country illegally, compared to the hurdles faced by highly skilled individuals like yourself?
**Srinivas:** His perspective undeniably reflects a frustrating reality for many highly skilled individuals who contribute considerably to the American economy and innovation.
**Archyde:** This exchange also highlights the intense focus on immigration reform, particularly concerning the tech sector. What changes, in your perspective, would create a more welcoming and effective system for attracting and retaining top talent?
**Srinivas:** Streamlining the process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and offering clearer pathways to permanent residency for individuals with in-demand skills would be essential steps.
**Archyde:** This conversation undoubtedly raises crucial questions about the U.S. immigration system and its impact on attracting global talent. What message do you hope your exchange with Elon Musk sends,and what can we do collectively to ensure a more inclusive and merit-based immigration policy?
**Srinivas:** I hope it sparks a broader discussion on the need for reform. We need to create a system that welcomes innovation and encourages the best minds to contribute to American progress.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Srinivas.
_Do you think current immigration policies adequately address the needs of the tech industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below._ [[1](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/donald-trump-will-fix-this-elon-musk-responds-to-perplexity-ceos-green-card-woes-12856762.html)]
## Archyde Interview: Navigating the Green Card Labyrinth
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of the innovative AI search engine Perplexity. Recently, Dr. Srinivas found himself in the center of a Twitter conversation with none other than Elon Musk regarding the complex world of green card applications.Dr. Srinivas, welcome too Archyde!
**Dr. Srinivas:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. You took to Twitter asking for some lighthearted advice on your green card submission. What prompted that decision?
**Dr. Srinivas:** It’s a relatable struggle for many highly skilled individuals like myself. The US immigration system can feel like a labyrinth, especially for those of us aiming to contribute to American innovation. I thought a touch of humor might make the process feel less intimidating,and who better to engage with than Elon Musk,a vocal advocate for talent acquisition?
**Host:** Indeed,and Mr. Musk responded with a simple yet powerful “Yes”. How did that feel?
**Dr. srinivas:** To be honest, I was surprised and incredibly grateful. His endorsement carries significant weight and brought attention to the challenges faced by many talented individuals navigating the immigration system.
**Host:** This wasn’t your first interaction with Mr. Musk. he also commented on your previous post highlighting the difficulties of obtaining a green card. can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Srinivas:** Yes, I had previously mentioned the irony of a system that seemingly makes it easier for individuals entering illegally than for skilled professionals seeking legal entry. Mr. Musk echoed these concerns, criticizing the system’s upside-down priorities and calling for reform.
**Host:** This exchange has sparked a broader conversation about US immigration policy. What message do you hope it sends?
**dr. Srinivas:** I hope it shines a light on the need for a more streamlined and fair immigration system that welcomes highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the US economy and its leadership in fields like AI and technology.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Srinivas. We appreciate your outlook and your dedication to making a difference. [1]
