The Florida Board of Governors is set to consider a proposal that could significantly restrict the hiring of foreign faculty at public universities in the state. If approved, the one-year ban on employing foreign staff on H-1B visas could have adverse effects on science departments, according to educators. The board will vote on this proposal during its meeting in Tallahassee on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals with specialized skills, typically requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. Currently, nearly 400 individuals working at Florida universities are employed under this visa category. Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns over foreign faculty taking opportunities away from qualified Floridians, describing them as “cheap labor.”
Professors in the state have countered this narrative. Among them is Kathryn Jones, a biological science professor at Florida State University, who argues that foreign hires are often necessary to fill specific roles. “If you’re searching for someone who does cryo-electron microscopy or specializes in genomics, there’s often not a domestic candidate available,” she stated.
The potential ban comes as Florida universities, including the University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and Florida Atlantic University, rely heavily on H-1B visa holders. For instance, the University of Florida employs approximately 150 staff on H-1B visas. Other institutions follow closely, with 72 at USF and 69 at FSU.
According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, around 60% of those who earned PhDs in computer science from U.S. universities in 2023 were temporary visa holders. This indicates a significant reliance on foreign talent in sectors where American graduates are less prevalent.
The impact of such a ban could be profound, particularly in science and technology fields where specialized expertise is crucial. Jones emphasized the importance of these faculty members, many of whom arrive in the U.S. on student visas and transition to H-1B status as a pathway to citizenship. “They are highly valued colleagues and significant contributors to our academic community,” she added.
The board’s agenda did not clarify the rationale behind the proposed ban. If approved, the rule would undergo two weeks of public comment before finalization in a subsequent meeting.
The H-1B visa program encompasses over 7,200 employees in Florida, primarily in private companies. The program has become a topic of division among supporters of former President Donald Trump. While some, like entrepreneur Elon Musk, advocate for the program, others align with DeSantis’ stance. In September, Trump announced a significant increase in fees for H-1B visas, raising individual application costs from $215 to $100,000. This fee is typically the responsibility of employers.
As this situation develops, the potential implications for Florida’s higher education system and its ability to attract top talent remain uncertain. The board’s decision could reshape the landscape for foreign faculty in the state, impacting both universities and students alike. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
