7 months ago
Florida to Pause H-1B Hiring at Universities Until 2027
Florida is planning to stop hiring new workers from other countries on H-1B visas at its public universities until early 2027.
Governor Ron DeSantis says this is to make sure that American graduates get job opportunities first.
The rule is expected to be discussed and possibly approved by the State University System Board of Governors.
Many universities use these visas to hire teachers, doctors, and researchers, especially in areas where there are not enough workers.
Some people support this change to protect American jobs, while others might worry about the impact on universities and research.
Florida's State University System Board of Governors to consider a policy on January 29 to pause new H-1B hires at public universities until January 5, 2027.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal critic of the H-1B program, calling it a 'total scam' and arguing it is used to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of Americans.
The policy follows a state audit that found H-1B workers in roles that could be filled by domestic workers.
Over 600 current H-1B visa holders are employed at Florida public universities, with the University of Florida having the highest number of approvals (253) in the last fiscal year.
Universities use the H-1B program to hire faculty, doctors, and researchers, especially in high-demand areas like healthcare, engineering, and science.
- Who
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the State University System Board of Governors
- What
- Proposed policy to pause new H-1B hires at Florida public universities
- Where
- Florida public universities
- When
- Policy introduction set for January 29, 2024; effective until January 5, 2027
- Why
- Governor DeSantis argues that the H-1B program is misused to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of American graduates
Key facts
- Proposed Policy Introduction Date
- January 29, 2024
- Policy Effective Until
- January 5, 2027
- Current H-1B Visa Holders at Florida Public Universities
- More than 600
- University of Florida H-1B Approvals (FY 2023)
- 253
- University of Miami H-1B Approvals (FY 2023)
- 146
- Florida State University H-1B Approvals (FY 2023)
- ~110
- University of South Florida H-1B Approvals (FY 2023)
- ~110
- University of Central Florida H-1B Approvals (FY 2023)
- 47
Quotes
Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration attorney and Managing Attorney at Immigration.Com
“If an H-1B holder stranded abroad attempts to change to an employer willing to accommodate remote work from India, they trigger the $100,000 entry fee imposed by Presidential Proclamation on September 21, 2025. This fee applies to any new H-1B petition filed for a beneficiary located outside the United States. The result: workers are trapped between staying with an employer who may not permit remote work and facing a prohibitive six-figure penalty to switch jobs. The impact on people’s lives has been devastating.”
financialexpress.com
“On December 3, 2025, the State Department announced mandatory social media vetting for all H-1B and H-4 applicants, effective December 15. This abrupt policy shift gave applicants zero notice. Consulates in India and other high-volume posts immediately began canceling appointments, rescheduling a most a year later.”
financialexpress.com
