Summary:
Elon Musk reportedly worked illegally in the US during the 1990s while studying at Stanford.
He developed the software company Zip2 instead of graduating.
Musk sold Zip2 for around $300 million in 1999, marking a significant step in his entrepreneurial journey.
Legal experts highlight the potential issues Musk could have faced regarding his work authorization.
His support for Donald Trump presents a contradiction to his own immigrant background.
The Early Days of Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the renowned tech billionaire, reportedly worked illegally in the United States during the 1990s while he was a student at Stanford University. According to a report by The Washington Post, Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California in 1995 to pursue higher studies but never graduated from the program he enrolled in.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Instead of completing his education, Musk focused on developing his software company Zip2. He received US work authorization around 1997, but his entrepreneurial activities could have been scrutinized had he attempted to go public. In 1999, he sold Zip2 for approximately $300 million, marking the beginning of his successful ventures that led him to become the world's wealthiest person.
Legal Challenges and Immigration Issues
To maintain a valid work authorization as a student, Musk was required to be enrolled in a full course of study. According to Leon Fresco, a former Justice Department immigration litigator, engaging in activities that generate revenue could have put him in a precarious legal situation. Fresco stated, “If you do anything that helps to facilitate revenue creation, such as design code or try to make sales in furtherance of revenue creation, then you’re in trouble.”
Political Contradictions
This revelation comes amid Musk's support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has made claims about undocumented immigrants impacting America negatively. Musk's endorsement contrasts sharply with his own past as an immigrant entrepreneur. In a 2020 podcast, Musk mentioned, "I was legally there, but I was meant to be doing student work. I was allowed to do work sort of supporting whatever," highlighting the complexities of his situation.
Musk's narrative is a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in America, showcasing how his early decisions shaped his future successes.
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