Florida Governor Orders Universities to End H-1B Visa Abuse

Strategic Insights -

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a step to prevent the hiring of foreign specialty workers on H-1B visas in state universities, citing abuse and unfair competition with American workers. In a press conference, DeSantis emphasized that universities should prioritize hiring qualified and available American citizens for job openings instead of importing foreign workers. He also mentioned that thousands of highly qualified Americans graduate from Florida's colleges and universities every year. DeSantis' move comes a month after President Donald Trump's administration introduced a $100,000 fee for future H-1B applicants as part of the crackdown on illegal immigration and H-1B visa program abuse.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the state's Board of Governors to prevent state universities from hiring foreign specialty workers on H-1B visas.
  • DeSantis claims that universities are importing H-1B workers instead of hiring qualified and available American citizens, citing "abuse" of the visa program.
  • The move comes after President Trump's administration introduced a $100,000 fee for future H-1B applicants.
  • University of Florida has the highest number of H-1B beneficiaries with 156, followed by University of Miami with 90, and University of South Florida with 72.
  • DeSantis has ordered the Board of Governors to end the practice of hiring H-1B workers, saying that it is "unfair" and "unjust" to American workers.
  • The Florida governor has also stated that universities should evaluate their academic programs to determine why they cannot produce graduates who can be hired for these positions.
  • An audit found H-1B workers being used for assistant athletic coaches and media relations specialists, with one job paying $40,000 per year.
  • DeSantis believes that H-1B workers are brought in as "cheap labor" to save money, and that it is the responsibility of universities to adapt their hiring practices to prioritize American workers.

Statistics:

  • 78 employers in Florida have 677 H-1B beneficiaries, as per USCIS data.
  • University of Florida has the highest number of H-1B beneficiaries with 156.
  • University of Miami has 90 H-1B beneficiaries.
  • University of South Florida has 72 H-1B beneficiaries.
  • 156 H-1B beneficiaries at University of Florida, 90 at University of Miami, and 72 at University of South Florida.

Sources:

  • DeSantis, R. (2023). Press Conference on H-1B Visa Abuse.
  • DeSantis, R. (2023). Twitter Post on H-1B Visa Abuse.
  • Trump, D. (2023). Executive Order on H-1B Visa Program.
  • USCIS. (2023). H-1B Visa Data for Florida Education Space.
  • Florida Phoenix. (2023). University of Florida has highest number of H-1B beneficiaries.