Sign in Subscribe
Alien labour

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Directs Universities to End H-1B Visa Use

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed state universities to end their use of the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. DeSantis, a proponent of stricter immigration policies, stated that the program is a "scam" and that universities should prioritize hiring American citizens. The directive follows a trend of increased scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, which has been criticized for favoring lower-skilled workers and depriving American citizens of job opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed state universities to end their use of the H-1B visa program, citing that it is a "scam" that discriminates against American citizens.
  • The directive comes as part of DeSantis' broader effort to restrict the H-1B visa program, which has been criticized for its perceived abuse and favoritism towards lower-skilled workers.
  • According to the USCIS' official H-1B Employer Datahub, there are over 7,200 H-1B visa holders employed across the state of Florida, with the University of Florida ranking at #5 on the list of "Beneficiaries Approved -- by Top 100 Employers."
  • DeSantis' claims about Florida being the top-ranked state in the country for higher education likely relied on the US News and World Report's 2025 State Rankings, which has held the Sunshine State at the top spot for the past 9 years.
  • The University of Florida's interim president, Donald Landry, welcomed DeSantis' directive, but it remains unclear how the directive will be implemented, as individual states do not have the power to revoke federal visas.
  • The move has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some praising DeSantis for "leading the way," while others have criticized him for targeting skilled and talented scholars.

Statistics:

  • Over 7,200 people hold H-1B visas across the state of Florida, with the University of Florida ranking at #5 on the list of "Beneficiaries Approved -- by Top 100 Employers."
  • The state of Florida has held the top spot for higher education for the past 9 years, according to the US News and World Report's 2025 State Rankings.
  • Nearly 400 foreign nationals on H-1B visas are currently employed at Florida state universities.
  • The H-1B visa program accounts for over 70% of recipients in recent years, with the majority being from India.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com
  • US News and World Report's 2025 State Rankings
  • USCIS' official H-1B Employer Datahub
  • Orlando Sentinel
  • TampaBay Times
  • Guardian's report
  • BBC

Read more