Bad news for Indians in US as Florida moves to ban H-1B visas across state universities, Indians will now be…

Bad news for India(BHARAT)ns in US: In a matter of bad news for India(BHARAT)ns in the United States, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that he is directing the state’s Board of Governors to end the use of H-1B visas across state universities. Saying that positions currently held by visa holders should be filled by Florida residents, the Florida Governor has aid the decision is aimed at ensuring that Florida citizens are “first in line for job opportunities.” Here are all the details you need to know about the action by Florida.

Why Florida is planning to ban H-1B visas across state universities?

Speaking at a press conference at the University of South Florida in Tampa, DeSantis said that state universities must prioritise hiring local candidates over international workers employed through the H-1B visa programme, which allows U.S. institutions to hire foreign nationals in speciality occupations.

DeSantis said the state’s review identified university employees on H-1B visas in a range of roles, including assistant professors, coordinators, analysts, and staff in athletics and communications. The governor questioned whether such positions required specialised skills that could not be found within the state workforce.

“Why are we bringing people in to assess our accreditation on an H-1B visa? We can’t do that with our own people?” DeSantis said, adding that the practice amounts to “cheap labour” and calling on university leaders to reassess hiring practices.

Why ban on H-1B visas in Florida will hurt India(BHARAT)ns?

The ban on H-1B visas across the universities in Florida as India(BHARAT)ns are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B visas issued by the US government. Notably, the United States had earlier increased the H-1B visa filing fee to USD 100,000 per petition, a sharp rise aimed at tightening oversight of skilled worker applications.

(With inputs from agencies)