Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sounded a sharp warning about the nation’s reliance on H-1B visas, highlighting what he calls a direct threat to American workers and a “backdoor” to unchecked foreign labor expansion. The governor’s message underscores growing concerns among conservatives that the Biden administration’s immigration policies are designed to favor multinational corporations while displacing domestic talent.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), DeSantis criticized the federal government’s posture on work visas, arguing that Washington is prioritizing foreign workers over Americans. “Florida will always put the American worker first. The H-1B program is not about filling a skills gap—it’s about cheap labor for corporations,” he wrote. His comments come amid ongoing changes to H-1B visa rules being debated in Washington, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently finalized new regulations regarding fees and application procedures.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations, most often in technology, engineering, and health care. Supporters argue that it fills critical shortages in high-demand fields. But critics, particularly on the right, argue that it is often exploited by corporations to undercut wages and sideline American graduates. Florida’s leadership has now taken center stage in raising the alarm about these trends.
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced fee increases and adjustments to the lottery system for H-1B applications. While DHS claims the changes are aimed at “streamlining” and preventing fraud, Florida officials and conservative policymakers see the modifications as an expansionary move that further entrenches reliance on foreign labor. Analysts note that under the new rules, visa fees could rise by hundreds of dollars, with costs shifting toward smaller companies, while large corporations continue to benefit from the cheaper labor pool the visas provide.
Florida officials warn that this system is skewed in favor of tech giants, outsourcing firms, and multinational conglomerates. DeSantis has long argued that such policies represent a form of corporate welfare, where U.S. taxpayers indirectly subsidize large corporations that choose foreign hires over qualified American workers. “This is not a labor shortage—it’s a political choice,” one Tallahassee aide told reporters, pointing to Florida’s expanding workforce and competitive higher education system.
Conservative critics point to the staggering number of U.S. graduates in STEM fields who remain underemployed or unemployed while foreign workers are granted tens of thousands of visas each year. They argue that the problem is not a lack of skills in America but an economic incentive for businesses to suppress wages. Florida leaders warn that if Washington continues to expand reliance on H-1B visas, younger Americans will face shrinking opportunities, particularly in tech and engineering, where starting salaries are already under pressure.
Governor DeSantis has used Florida as an example of prioritizing citizens over foreign labor. State initiatives have emphasized vocational training, apprenticeships, and investment in STEM education at public universities. Florida’s approach, DeSantis argues, proves that a robust domestic workforce is possible when policy aligns with American workers rather than foreign interests. He has pledged to continue pushing back against federal policies that “erode American sovereignty and weaken the middle class.”
The conservative backlash also raises national security concerns. Some policymakers have pointed to reports of foreign nationals with sensitive access working in high-tech industries tied to defense, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. Florida officials argue that reliance on foreign workers in these sectors not only undermines wages but poses risks to intellectual property and national resilience.
Corporate lobbyists, however, continue to push for expansions of the H-1B program, claiming it is necessary for U.S. competitiveness. But DeSantis and other conservatives contend that this is a smokescreen. They argue that instead of training and hiring American workers at fair wages, companies are importing cheaper labor under the guise of global competitiveness. “American jobs should not be auctioned off to the lowest bidder on the global stage,” one Florida economic advisor noted.
The political divide on H-1B visas has sharpened as the Biden administration signals a willingness to adjust immigration laws in favor of what it describes as “inclusive economic growth.” Conservatives see this as code for corporate globalism at the expense of the American worker. Florida’s alarm is designed to spotlight the broader issue: whether America will invest in its own citizens or outsource opportunity to foreign labor markets.
Florida’s warning is also a direct challenge to federal lawmakers to reconsider the trajectory of U.S. immigration and labor policy. The Sunshine State is positioning itself not just as a critic but as a model of how prioritizing American workers can strengthen both the economy and national identity. By calling out the flaws in the H-1B system, Florida leaders are amplifying a debate that could shape future policy far beyond state borders.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, H-1B visas and broader immigration issues will likely remain flashpoints. For Florida, the message is clear: protecting the American worker is not optional—it is essential. Whether Washington listens remains an open question, but the state’s alarm has already energized a conservative movement determined to put citizens first.
Keywords
Florida – Ron DeSantis – H-1B visas – immigration – cheap labor – Biden administration – DHS rules – American workers – corporate welfare – conservative policy