Florida politician Anthony Sabatini has sparked debate over the H-1B visa row, tweeting a call for “a complete and total shutdown.” The move comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, aimed at curbing alleged abuses of the program.
Anthony Sabatini Demands H-1B Shutdown
Far-right politician Sabatini on Monday tweeted, “I am calling for a complete and total shutdown of H-1 B visas until we can find out what is going on.” His tweet went viral in no time, given the ongoing debate surrounding the H-1B visa and its impact on the American workforce and the tech industry, which is the biggest beneficiary of these visas. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and other tech giants hire large numbers of foreign workers on H-1B visas because of the high demand for specialised skills that may not be fully met by the domestic workforce.
I AM CALLING FOR A COMPLETE AND TOTAL SHUT DOWN OF H-1B VISAS UNTIL WE CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON
— Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) September 27, 2025
The move has caused panic among foreign workers and companies that rely on H-1B talent. While the fee does not affect current visa holders, firms hiring new H-1B employees are now facing huge costs. Many are worried about how this will affect their ability to hire skilled tech workers from abroad.
Online, some netizens supported Sabatini, arguing that shutting down H-1B visas would help American workers. Others warned it could hurt the US tech industry. One user wrote, “The hidden cost is stifling our technological growth. Foreign workers help with projects and innovation here. Shutting them out weakens the country.” Another said, “and lose tech advantage, lose social security and medicare contributions, lose business investments. Good call!”
One person commented, “I would like them shut down until every 50-year-old white guy gets the job back.” Another mocked, “Says who? The county commissioner of a small Florida town?”
Sabatini’s Controversial Background
Sabatini was recently removed from his job as city attorney in Treasure Island after just four months, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Commissioners said he failed to meet obligations, missed meetings, and gave unreliable legal advice. He also clashed with officials over the city’s Terrain Modification Manual, which caused delays in permits for construction projects.
Despite this, Sabatini remains active in politics and public debates, and is currently serving as a Lake County commissioner since 2024. Anthony Sabatini is a Republican who served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022. He was once a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, but turned critical after Trump endorsed Daniel Webster over him in 2024.
Over the years, Sabatini has taken strong right-wing positions, opposing abortion, gun control, DEI programs, and LGBTQ rights. He has also expressed support for Francisco Franco, Christian nationalism, climate change denial, false claims about the 2020 election, and is against vaccinations.