A Christmas Day clash online among Donald Trump's supporters has spotlighted a brewing battle over high-skilled immigration policy. Trump's appointment of Sriram Krishnan as an AI adviser sparked a backlash from MAGA hardliners, who criticized his support for easing green card restrictions. Elon Musk and other tech leaders defended Krishnan, emphasizing a shortage of engineering talent as critical for U.S. competitiveness. Tech billionaires see an opportunity to use their influence in the contentious debate over skilled immigration. GOP lawmakers signal potential openness to reform, citing economic and geopolitical competition with China. Support, immigration hard-liners, and anti-immigrant sentiment within Trump's base remain significant obstacles.
