(The Center Square) – Florida Gov. Ron Desantis announced on Wednesday he would crack down on H-1B visas in higher education.
Desantis directed the Florida Board of Governors, a body that leads the State University System of Florida, to require universities prioritize American graduates.
“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 Gov. DeSantis. “We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions.”
H-1B visas are designated to foreign nationals with advanced degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, who can live and work temporarily in the United States.
H-1B visas are typically used in technology industries. Amazon, Meta and Apple were among the top petitioners for H-1B visas in 2025. Congress sets a maximum annual cap for these visas at 85,000.
However, state-funded organizations, like universities, are exempt from this Congressionally mandated cap. These organizations typically recruit H-1B workers for research and professor positions.
Massachusetts, Michigan, Colorado and Alaska have also initiated programs to recruit immigrant entrepreneurs who can be sponsored through the state’s universities.
Desantis’ announcement follows President Donald Trump’s Sept. 19 proclamation issuing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B proposals.
Trump cited a lack of jobs for American workers and suppressed wage conditions in his proclamation restricting H-1B visa applicants.
“The large-scale replacement of American workers through systemic abuse of the program has undermined both our economic and national security,” the proclamation reads.
It is unclear how Desantis’ announcement will be implemented in Florida’s university system.