In a move that could have sweeping implications for Florida’s public higher education system and its international workforce, Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday directed the state’s Board of Governors to immediately halt the use of H-1B visas at public universities. Speaking at the University of South Florida, DeSantis denounced the federal visa program as a “scam,” accusing institutions of exploiting it to hire foreign workers at the expense of qualified American graduates.
“The H-1B program has become a backdoor for cheap labor,” DeSantis said during his remarks. “Universities are importing foreign workers instead of investing in the talent we produce right here in Florida. That ends now.”
The H-1B visa program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including academia, research, and technology. Florida’s public universities have long relied on the program to recruit international faculty, researchers, and staff in fields where domestic expertise is limited or highly competitive.
DeSantis’s directive instructs the Florida Board of Governors—which oversees the State University System—to cease all new H-1B visa sponsorships and prioritize hiring U.S. citizens and Florida residents. The governor also called for a full audit of current visa holders employed across the state’s 12 public universities, raising questions about the future of existing contracts and tenure-track positions held by foreign nationals.
The announcement comes amid a broader national debate over immigration and labor policy. Earlier this month, the Trump administration proposed a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visa applicants, a move widely seen as a deterrent to foreign hiring. DeSantis’s order echoes that sentiment, aligning with a growing political push to restrict foreign labor in favor of domestic workforce development.
Legal experts caution that while states can influence hiring practices, federal law prohibits discrimination based solely on immigration status. The directive may face legal challenges if interpreted as targeting individuals rather than institutional policy. It also remains unclear whether current H-1B employees will be grandfathered in or subject to review.
University leaders across Florida are now scrambling to assess the impact. Many institutions rely on international talent for STEM programs, global research partnerships, and specialized instruction. Critics argue that the ban could hinder academic competitiveness and diversity, while supporters claim it will open more opportunities for local graduates.
The Florida Board of Governors is expected to convene next week to discuss implementation strategies and legal considerations. Meanwhile, faculty unions, immigration advocates, and university administrators are preparing for what could be a contentious shift in hiring policy.
As the debate unfolds, the directive marks a significant moment in Florida’s approach to immigration, education, and labor—one that could reshape the academic landscape for years to come.
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