By Emeka Blast 
Is Elon Musk’s US Citizenship at Risk Under a Trump Administration?
While former President Donald Trump has not directly threatened to deport Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur has faced scrutiny over his past immigration status, particularly concerning his early years in the United States.
Alleged Immigration Violations
Reports indicate that in 1995, Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California, on a J-1 student visa for a graduate program at Stanford University but did not enroll. Instead, he focused on developing his startup, Zip2. Engaging in business activities while on a student visa is a violation of U.S. immigration laws. Additionally, Musk reportedly did not obtain work authorization until 1997. Legal experts suggest that if these activities were undocumented and undisclosed during his naturalization process, they could potentially lead to denaturalization.
Legal Perspectives
Legal scholars have noted that unauthorized employment and misrepresentation during the immigration process are grounds for denaturalization. However, such actions are typically pursued in cases of significant fraud or criminal activity. Experts argue that while Musk’s past actions might technically be grounds for denaturalization, the likelihood of such measures being taken is low due to the complexity and rarity of such cases.
Political Context
The issue gained political attention during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. President Joe Biden criticized Musk for allegedly working illegally in the U.S. during his early years, labeling him a “hypocrite” given his vocal stance on immigration. In response, Musk denied the allegations, stating he was authorized to work and accusing Biden of spreading misinformation .
Conclusion
While there is no indication that Trump has taken steps to deport Musk, the entrepreneur’s past immigration status has been a topic of legal and political debate. Any action regarding denaturalization would require substantial legal proceedings and evidence, making such outcomes unlikely.
