The opposition to the H-1B foreign worker visa program is increasing and has now extended to US universities. Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed the Florida Board of Governors to intensify efforts against the abuse of H-1B visas within the higher education sector. This directive aims to address concerns over the misuse of these visas in the context of academic institutions in Florida.
It is important to know that Florida has not yet banned or ended H-1B hirings across its universities. The Governor’s directive is to reduce the abuse of H-1B hirings by universities in Florida.
Currently, the H-1B visa cap category allows 85,000 visas, including 20,000 available only for individuals who have earned a master’s or higher degree, to be issued to foreigners annually. In addition to 85,000 H-1B visas, additional visas can be provided to foreign workers under the cap-exempt category.
Institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations (including certain hospitals), K-12 schools connected with higher education institutions, non-profit research organizations, and government research entities are exempt from the annual numerical limitations.
Cap-exempt employers like universities are exempt from the requirement to register or participate in the annual lottery. This allows them to file petitions directly without being restricted to a specific filing cycle.
Governor DeSantis also announced that Florida DOGE has partnered with Federal DOGE, the State University System, and institutional partners to cancel or repurpose millions of dollars in DEI-related grants.
US lawmakers are also actively working to end H-1B usage in universities. A Republican proposal has been floated that seeks to eliminate the H-1B visa exemption for higher education employees in US universities.
Rep. Tom Tiffany’s “Colleges for the American People Act of 2025” (CAP Act) proposes to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, requiring foreign nationals to apply for an H-1B visa within the 20,000 visa cap.
“Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
“We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That’s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice.”
Florida is requiring institutions to put American graduates first and ensure taxpayer-funded schools serve the American workforce, not to be used to import cheap foreign labor.
Governor DeSantis said that the H-1B visas are allegedly intended to hire individuals for a specialty occupation, but many universities and institutions have hired foreign workers for jobs that could easily be filled by qualified Americans.