TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida’s public universities will temporarily halt the hiring of new employees using H-1B visas, following a decision by the Florida Board of Governors on Monday. The pause, set to last until January 5, 2027, impacts the ability of state universities to recruit specialized talent from abroad, sparking debate over its potential effects on research, medical care, and academic programs. The move follows similar actions in Texas and reflects a broader national conversation about the use of H-1B visas and their impact on the domestic workforce.
The Board of Governors approved the measure 14-2, with members Kimberly Dunn and Carson Dale dissenting. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. Employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. Employers utilize the program when qualified U.S. Workers are not readily available, and visas are typically valid for up to three years, with potential for extension. Current H-1B visa holders already employed at Florida’s universities will not be affected and can renew their visas if necessary.
Governor Ron DeSantis initially requested the Board of Governors consider the ban, expressing concerns that the program could displace American workers and potentially facilitate the recruitment of individuals from countries of concern. He has previously questioned the use of H-1B visas by universities, suggesting some instances represent the hiring of foreign workers at lower wages than their American counterparts. The pause will allow the state to study the use and costs associated with H-1B visas within its public institutions, according to Chairman Alan Levine.
Concerns Raised Over Impact on Research and Healthcare
The decision has drawn criticism from some faculty and student representatives who fear it will hinder the ability of Florida universities to attract and retain top talent, particularly in critical fields. Carson Dale, the student representative on the Board of Governors, voiced concerns that the pause could damage Florida’s reputation as a destination for international scholars and professionals. “Even if it’s just a one-year pause, I think that sends a message to people who are considering Florida that it won’t be a place they can count on to come and function,” Dale stated.
Connor O’Brien, a member of the non-partisan Institute for Progress (IFP), acknowledged concerns about potential abuses of the H-1B program, particularly by IT staffing companies. However, he cautioned that the current proposal may be overly broad. “The visa has been abused for a long time by IT staffing companies that sponsor mid-skilled workers with mediocre wages,” O’Brien said. He advocated for exceptions for researchers, scientists, and medical professionals, highlighting the potential impact on institutions like University of Florida Health. According to a records request obtained by the IFP, at least 315 of the 1,300 H-1B petitions approved between 2017 and 2022 in Florida were for physicians, scientists with doctoral degrees, or faculty in STEM fields.
Kimberly Dunn, a Board of Governors member and Florida Atlantic University faculty leader, echoed these concerns, stating she remained worried about the lasting effect on the state’s ability to recruit leading professors. She previously noted that, in many cases, the H-1B visa is “the only viable pathway for bringing this level of expertise to our state,” as reported in January by WIOd.
Texas Implemented Similar Restrictions
Florida is not alone in taking action regarding H-1B visas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also directed universities and agencies in his state to pause hiring H-1B visa holders until May 2027. This coordinated effort suggests a growing trend among Republican-led states to re-evaluate the use of these visas.
Ray Rodriguez, Chancellor of the State University System, indicated that exceptions to the pause could be made in cases of critical worker shortages. “Under our current emergency regulations processes, we could issue a response in 72 hours. I am confident we can react to any situation that jeopardizes the access, health, wellbeing, or safety of our students,” Rodriguez said.
As of the last fiscal year, over 600 H-1B visa holders were employed at Florida’s public universities, with the University of Florida employing the largest number at 253. The University of South Florida and the University of Miami employed 107 and 146 H-1B visa holders, respectively.
The Board of Governors intends to investigate any misuse of the H-1B system during the pause and will also evaluate the impact of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applicants, implemented by the Trump administration last year.
The coming months will be crucial as the state assesses the impact of this policy change. The Board of Governors is expected to revisit the issue after the pause concludes, armed with data on the program’s usage and costs. The future of H-1B visa utilization in Florida’s public universities remains uncertain, but the current pause signals a significant shift in the state’s approach to attracting international talent.
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