'Should I get green card?': Indian-origin CEO asks on X; Elon Musk response sparks immigration debate

World News: The complexities of the US immigration system have once again taken center stage, thanks to Indian-origin entrepreneur Aravind Srinivas. As the CEO of the AI search engine Perplexity AI, Srinivas sparked a significant conversation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with a simple yet profound question: 'I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?' This inquiry was not merely casual; it highlighted his personal struggle, as he has been waiting for his green card for three years.

The Viral Exchange

Srinivas's post caught the attention of billionaire Elon Musk, who responded with a succinct 'Yes.' This interaction quickly gained momentum, drawing responses from netizens, industry leaders, and Musk's followers, all reflecting on the broader implications of US immigration policies. Srinivas expressed gratitude to Musk with a heart and folded hands emoji, emphasizing the significance of this dialogue.

Who is Aravind Srinivas?

Aravind Srinivas is a distinguished figure in the tech industry. He co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022 alongside notable partners including Andy Konwinski and Denis Yarats. The search engine leverages artificial intelligence to revolutionize information retrieval and has attracted investment from high-profile figures like Jeff Bezos. Srinivas’s academic credentials are impressive; he graduated from IIT Madras and holds a PhD from UC Berkeley. His career trajectory includes pivotal roles at OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind.

Immigration System Critique

Srinivas's plight resonated deeply within the tech community, particularly among immigrants facing similar challenges. He previously lamented on social media about the lengthy wait for permanent residency: 'I have been waiting for my green card for like the last 3 years. Still haven’t gotten it.' Musk's response was pointed, criticizing the US immigration system: 'We have an upside-down system that makes it difficult for highly skilled individuals to enter the US legally.'

Public Reactions

The discussion ignited widespread reactions online. Users expressed their frustrations regarding the cumbersome immigration process. One user suggested that the US should make EB-1A visas cap-exempt to alleviate delays for highly skilled individuals. Another commented on the broken nature of the immigration system, expressing hope that changes would come in 2025.

Proposals for Reform

Srinivas has been vocal about reforming immigration processes. He proposed utilizing technology to streamline applications, suggesting features like mobile document uploads and expedited interview scheduling. He believes that enhancing legal immigration processes could significantly benefit both immigrants and the US economy.

The Green Card Dilemma

A green card, or Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Despite its benefits—such as job flexibility and access to social services—the path to obtaining one remains fraught with bureaucratic hurdles and long wait times.

Aravind Srinivas's candid discussion about his green card journey has shed light on significant flaws in the US immigration system, prompting calls for reform from both tech leaders and everyday citizens.hurdles.