Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a new directive targeting what he describes as the ‘abuse’ of H-1B visas in the state’s universities. In a statement, DeSantis ordered the Florida Board of Governors to ‘end this practice,’ which he claims involves prioritizing the hiring of foreign workers over qualified American graduates. His message was posted on X (formerly Twitter), where he criticized the use of H-1B visas as a tool for importing cheap foreign labor rather than serving the American workforce.
DeSantis highlighted that Florida leads the nation in higher education, producing thousands of highly qualified graduates annually. He argued that if universities struggle to hire U.S. citizens, they should review their academic programs to ensure they’re preparing graduates capable of filling these roles. The governor’s office reiterated the stance in a statement, emphasizing the state’s commitment to ensuring taxpayer-funded institutions prioritize American workers and not be used to bring in foreign labor.
The move comes amid growing concern over the use of H-1B visas in academia, where universities are exempt from federal caps, allowing year-round hiring of foreign workers. The Department of Labor defines H-1B visas for specialty occupations requiring advanced knowledge and typically a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, critics argue that many universities are using this exemption to hire foreign workers for roles that could easily be filled by U.S. graduates. DeSantis’ directive is part of an effort to address what he sees as systemic abuse in the visa program.
In a recent news conference, DeSantis cited examples of H-1B visa holders in specialized positions, such as an assistant swim coach from Spain, to illustrate the perceived issue. He questioned why Florida cannot produce such talent domestically. His comments reflect a broader conservative stance on immigration and employment practices, aligning with the Trump administration’s approach to restrict visa abuse and favor American workers in the labor market. This is also part of a wider federal initiative by the Justice Department to monitor and report on discriminatory hiring practices favoring foreign workers over American citizens.
The issue of H-1B visas in higher education has sparked considerable debate, especially with the Justice Department recently urging employees to report unfair preferences for foreign workers in job advertisements. Citizens are encouraged to flag discriminatory hiring practices, including preferences for H-1B or other temporary visa holders, and to report incidents of human trafficking related to temporary visa programs. This push reflects growing scrutiny over the impact of such policies on domestic employment and labor markets.
DeSantis’ directive is seen as a significant step in the state’s effort to regulate the use of H-1B visas in higher education. It underscores the tension between the demand for foreign labor in academic settings and the push to protect American workers. While the move has support among some conservatives and labor advocates, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on universities’ ability to attract and retain international talent and expertise. As the directive unfolds, its long-term effects on the state’s higher education system and workforce dynamics will be closely watched.