Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has reaffirmed his support for retaining highly skilled international graduates in the United States, days after drawing criticism over his proposal to fast-track visas for Indian students attending American universities.
In a post on X, Ackman argued that U.S. immigration policy should focus on attracting and keeping talented innovators who can contribute to the country’s economy.
“We need to fix our immigration policy so we can admit the creators so they can build on American soil and create value here. In particular, it makes no sense to educate the best and brightest at Federally subsidized educational institutions and then send them home.”
The latest comments build on remarks Ackman made earlier this week, when he suggested that the United States should accelerate permanent residency pathways for top-performing international students, particularly those studying at leading American universities. Those remarks triggered a heated online debate, with supporters describing the proposal as an investment in innovation while critics argued it would disadvantage American workers.
READ: Bill Ackman criticized for calling to fast-track Indian student’s visa to attend Harvard Law (July 17, 2026)
The American Bazaar previously reported on the backlash, with immigration skeptics questioning whether expanding opportunities for foreign graduates would intensify competition for high-skilled jobs. Others countered that highly educated immigrants have historically played an outsized role in founding startups, advancing scientific research and strengthening the U.S. technology sector.
Ackman’s latest post sought to broaden the conversation beyond a single nationality, emphasizing what he described as the need to admit “creators” capable of generating long-term economic value. His comments also highlighted what he views as an inconsistency in current policy: federally subsidized universities educate some of the world’s brightest students, yet many are forced to leave after graduation because of immigration restrictions.
The issue has become increasingly prominent amid ongoing debates over the future of H-1B visas, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and employment-based green cards. Business leaders across Silicon Valley have repeatedly argued that lengthy immigration backlogs cause highly skilled graduates to leave the United States for countries with more predictable immigration systems.
Indian students are among those most affected. They represent one of the largest international student populations in the United States and account for a significant share of H-1B visa holders, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
READ: After Texas, Oklahoma becomes target of backlash over Indian migration (July 16, 2026)
Ackman’s latest statement comes as Congress and the Trump administration continue to debate broader immigration reforms, including changes affecting high-skilled workers, student visas and employment-based immigration.
His remarks are likely to keep the conversation alive among policymakers, universities and the technology industry as the United States weighs how to balance economic competitiveness with concerns over domestic employment.