Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, encountered significant criticism following his response to the U.S. government's decision to temporarily halt all visa interviews. The move, announced by the State Department, aims to review and potentially expand social media vetting processes for visa applicants.
In response to negative reactions about the suspension, Hoffman lamented the impact on American higher education and the country’s global standing. He stated, "Blowing a $50 billion hole in the budget of every state flagship and top private university in America. Gunshot wound to the head of the best education system in the world and the crown jewel of American soft power. Absolute madness." He further expressed concern that other nations are poised to capitalize on the disruption, asserting, "We've completely forgotten how America prospered."
Social media users quickly scrutinized Hoffman’s stance, highlighting his LinkedIn enterprise's reliance on H-1B visa programs. Critics accused him of prioritizing corporate interests over the "America First" agenda. Comments suggested that Hoffman's advocacy for foreign labor was motivated by cost reduction rather than genuine support for American workers.
One commenter noted, "Reid only cares about this because importing (indentured) talent allows him to keep wages lower — it's economic warfare against American citizens." Another observed, "There’s no shortage of American talent — Hoffman just doesn’t want to prioritize it. Over 60% of H-1B roles are certified below local median wages. It’s about cutting costs, not fostering innovation."
Hoffman has historically supported expanding H-1B visa allocations, urging previous administrations, including Obama's, to remove caps on these visas to attract skilled foreign workers. His position underscores ongoing debates about immigration, talent acquisition, and labor market dynamics in the United States.
