James Fishback, a former advisor to DOGE and aide to Elon Musk, has publicly called for the complete dismantling of the H-1B visa program. He argues that the U.S. does not need highly skilled Indian or Chinese workers, a contentious stance he reiterated in an interview with Fox News.
The Azoria CEO criticized American companies, alleging they conceal job postings while millions of qualified American citizens remain unemployed, underpaid, or simply overlooked. Fishback advocates for a comprehensive immigration moratorium, firmly believing that the nation’s future narrative should be exclusively crafted by its own citizens.
This 30-year-old U.S. investor has rapidly become one of the most outspoken critics of the H-1B visa, a program designed to allow American companies to recruit skilled foreign professionals. Born on January 1, 1995, Fishback began his academic journey in International Economics at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. However, he departed before completing his degree to immerse himself in the world of finance, a decision that launched a career marked by both significant attention and considerable controversy.
Fishback first made his mark in the finance industry in 2021 when he joined Greenlight Capital, a prominent hedge fund managed by David Einhorn. There, he rose to become Head of Macro, responsible for overseeing investment strategies for the multi-billion-dollar fund. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into global financial markets and deeply influenced his approach to investment management, forming the bedrock for his subsequent ventures.
Founding Azoria Partners and Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2023, Fishback co-founded Azoria Partners alongside Asaf H. Abramovich, taking on the crucial role of Chief Investment Officer. The firm garnered significant media attention with its launch event at Mar-a-Lago, which notably included an appearance by former President Donald Trump. Azoria Partners positions itself as a hedge fund specializing in high-profile investment opportunities and market innovation, further cementing Fishback’s presence in both the financial sector and public discourse.
Before venturing into Azoria, Fishback had already shown a keen interest in education and youth development. In 2019, he established Incubate Debate, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free debate tournaments for middle and high school students across the U.S. The initiative aimed to offer an alternative to traditional debate leagues, fostering critical thinking and communication skills among young Americans. Incubate Debate was later acquired by the Bill of Rights Institute in 2024, extending its reach and solidifying Fishback’s commitment to educational programs for youth.
Academic Background and Influence on Career Choices
Despite not formally completing his university degree, Fishback’s background in international economics has profoundly shaped his professional decisions and investment philosophy. His early exposure to economic theory and global policy equipped him to navigate complex financial strategies and engage in high-level policy discussions, including those surrounding the H-1B visa program.
Fishback’s career path, a unique blend of finance, entrepreneurship, and educational initiatives, exemplifies a dynamic combination of practical experience and public advocacy. From his formative years at Greenlight Capital to founding Azoria Partners and leading Incubate Debate, his professional and educational journey has been instrumental in forming his prominent public positions on both labor and immigration policies.