Florida governor Ron DeSantis urges states to stop hiring foreign workers through H-1B visa program at universities
After Florida temporarily barred its 12 public universities from hiring new H-1B workers, Ron DeSantis urged other states to follow suit.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called on other US states to cease hiring foreign workers through the H-1B visa program at public universities, citing the detrimental impact on young American graduates. In an X post, DeSantis announced that Florida had halted H-1B hiring at its institutions and urged other states to emulate this move.
He criticized universities for perpetuating programs that bring in foreign professionals at the expense of American youth. DeSantis first advocated for restrictions on H-1B hiring at public universities in October 2025 and directed the state's Board of Governors to limit such hiring. This measure, set to expire in January 2027, excludes current employees.
The H-1B visa permits US employers to hire foreign professionals with specialized knowledge for jobs that require a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent. Exemptions exist for universities and research organizations, allowing them to sponsor eligible workers beyond the annual numerical cap. The post also addressed the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which enables international students on F-1 visas to gain work experience post-graduation.
Graduates in STEM fields can extend their work authorization for an additional 24 months. DeSantis's stance aligns with efforts by the Trump administration to tighten employment-based immigration rules and scrutinize employers hiring foreign workers.
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