Recently, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, made a comment regarding migration into the US. He shared a news report on Twitter/X about people crossing the border into California after learning about it from videos on TikTok. The report, which was from 60 Minutes, showcased individuals entering California through a gap in the border.
One striking aspect highlighted in the report was the increasing number of Chinese migrants attempting to enter the US from Mexico. According to the US Customs and Border Protection, approximately 37,000 Chinese citizens were apprehended while illegally crossing the border in 2023.
The individuals featured in the report admitted that they were aware of the border gap due to popular content on TikTok. After crossing the border, they voluntarily surrendered to the US Border Patrol. Musk shared the clip without any comment and it quickly gained over 14 million views.
In addition to sharing the news report, Musk made a somewhat perplexing claim on X concerning President Joe Biden's stance on illegal migration. He suggested that Biden's strategy was primarily focused on allowing as many illegal migrants into the country as possible and then subsequently legalizing them to establish a permanent majority, ultimately creating a one-party state.
Musk has faced criticism for spreading conspiracy theories on X since assuming control of the platform. He previously expressed his concerns about migration during a visit to the US-Mexico border, even attempting to livestream the experience. Musk voiced worries about stories of violent criminals infiltrating the country alongside those fleeing poverty and conflict.
Musk argued that many individuals were taking advantage of the asylum system, highlighting the ease with which one could learn the 'magic words' necessary to claim asylum by simply conducting a Google search. He also expressed frustration with the lengthy asylum process and the subsequent lack of deportations for those denied asylum.
Despite these concerns, Musk clarified that he supports expanded legal immigration. He believes that individuals who are hard-working, honest, and contribute positively to the economy should be welcomed into the country. However, he acknowledged that there are instances where extreme individuals attempt to enter the US illegally, emphasizing that this does not represent the overall situation.
Migration is a complex issue with various perspectives and opinions. While Musk's comments have generated attention and sparked debate, it is important to consider multiple viewpoints when discussing a topic as multifaceted as migration.
