Full Breakdown
DeSantis Directs Florida Universities to Halt H-1B Visa Hiring
10/30/2025, 2:04:33 AM
Overview of the Directive
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a directive aimed at ending the hiring of foreign workers through the H-1B visa program at state universities. During a press conference at the University of South Florida on October 29, 2025, DeSantis instructed the Florida Board of Governors to "pull the plug" on the use of H-1B visas, asserting that job opportunities should prioritize Florida residents and Americans. This move comes amid a broader evaluation of university spending and policies by the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Context of H-1B Visa Usage
The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. In Florida, nearly 400 foreign nationals are currently employed at public universities under this program, with the University of Florida employing the highest number at 156, followed by the University of South Florida with 72 and Florida State University with 69. Critics argue that the program is often exploited to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
Official Statements & Responses
DeSantis criticized the reliance on H-1B visas, stating, “We can do it with our residents in Florida or with Americans. And if we can’t do it, then man, we need to really look deeply about what is going on with this situation.” He highlighted specific cases of foreign workers in various academic roles, questioning the necessity of hiring international staff for positions that could potentially be filled by qualified Americans. Donald Landry, interim president of the University of Florida, acknowledged the need for reform, stating, “We know that H-1B is not handled in a pristine fashion, even in academia.”
Criticism & Opposition
The directive has faced criticism from some educators and university officials. Robert Cassanello, president of the United Faculty of Florida, argued that the emphasis on merit-based hiring overlooks the reality that many qualified candidates for specialized positions in fields like computer science and engineering often come from abroad. He stated, “DeSantis is speaking out of both sides his mouth … He is actively trying to remove any and all autonomy of governing our public colleges and universities from the people who run them day to day.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While DeSantis's directive aims to halt the hiring of H-1B visa holders, it remains unclear how this will be implemented, as states do not have the authority to revoke federal visas. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations prohibit firing employees based on immigration status. The governor's office has not clarified whether current H-1B visa holders will be affected by this directive.
What's Next
The Florida Board of Governors is expected to discuss the implications of DeSantis's directive at their upcoming meeting on November 5-6, 2025. This meeting will likely address the ongoing review of H-1B visa usage and its impact on Florida's higher education institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions.” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
- “It’s a complex issue; we can chat.” — Donald Landry, Interim President, University of Florida
- “DeSantis is speaking out of both sides his mouth …” — Robert Cassanello, President, United Faculty of Florida
