Article Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Board of Governors to cease the use of H-1B visas in state universities, alleging 'H-1B abuse' and prioritizing American graduates. The directive claims universities misuse their H-1B cap exemption by hiring foreign workers for jobs qualified Americans could fill. Concurrently, Florida has reallocated or canceled over $33 million in DEI-related grants to align with state and federal law.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This directive, if fully implemented, directly impacts international researchers, academics, and skilled professionals currently on or seeking H-1B visas in Florida's state university system. It could significantly alter hiring practices for academic institutions, limiting their access to a global talent pool for specialized positions and potentially deterring foreign talent from considering Florida for higher education and research roles.

Universities and non-profit research institutions have historically been 'cap-exempt' for H-1B visas, allowing them to recruit global talent without being subject to the annual federal lottery. Governor DeSantis's directive challenges this long-standing practice at the state level. For current H-1B holders in Florida state universities, this introduces uncertainty regarding future employment or visa extensions. This move also sets a precedent that other states might consider, potentially leading to a fragmented landscape of H-1B regulations across the U.S. beyond federal law, adding to the national conversation around H-1B reform.