Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has called for a more measured approach in the ongoing H1B visa debate, following heated exchanges on X (formerly Twitter) involving Elon Musk.
The controversy ignited when Musk posted a strongly-worded defense of the H1B visa program, which enables U.S. companies to employ foreign workers. In his post, Musk emphasized his own journey as an immigrant and threatened to "go to war" against those opposing the program.
The situation intensified as users reported losing premium features on X after criticizing Musk's stance, raising concerns about platform censorship. Conservative voices argued that the H1B program disadvantages American workers.
Buterin, while supporting the principle of free movement, cautioned against aggressive rhetoric and potential censorship. "The winner will be the guy with the biggest hammer, not the guy with the best arguments," he warned, highlighting the risks of using platform-wide bans as a tool for controlling discourse.
The Ethereum creator expressed concern about the long-term impact of such confrontational approaches, describing them as a "memetic beast" that could create lasting social divisions. He emphasized that while content moderation tools might appear effective in the short term, their repeated use could set dangerous precedents for future discourse.
Buterin's intervention comes at a time when the debate around immigration policy and tech worker visas continues to divide public opinion, particularly within the technology sector where many companies rely heavily on international talent.