A recent poll by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reveals significant public support for ending the H-1B visa program, reigniting discussions about U.S. job protection and global competitiveness in technology.
A new poll conducted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reignited the debate surrounding the H-1B visa program, revealing strong public support for its elimination. The poll, which was shared on X, found that 62.3% of respondents favored ending the program entirely, while 31.4% supported reforming it. Only 6.3% of those surveyed preferred to maintain the program as it currently stands.
Closing with 49,206 votes and reaching over 638,000 views, the poll has sparked renewed discussions about the future of the H-1B visa program. This program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in technology and engineering fields.
DeSantis, who is considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, has been vocal in his criticism of the H-1B visa program. He argues that it negatively impacts job opportunities and wages for American workers. The results of this poll reflect a growing public interest in reforming U.S. immigration policies related to high-skilled labor.
Recently, DeSantis intensified his rhetoric against the H-1B visa program, labeling it a “total scam.” He accuses companies of exploiting the program to import “cheap foreign labor” at the expense of American workers. DeSantis contends that the program is particularly harmful as automation and artificial intelligence are set to displace many white-collar jobs, making the continued importation of foreign workers unjustifiable.
Florida Representative Anthony Sabatini has also called for a complete shutdown of the H-1B visa program, arguing that it is essential for protecting American workers. Critics of the program assert that it has been misused to replace U.S. employees with lower-paid foreign workers.
DeSantis’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, particularly among Indian professionals who make up a substantial portion of H-1B visa holders. Many have pointed out that Indian workers have been integral to the growth and innovation of the U.S. technology sector. The governor’s comments have intensified the ongoing debate regarding the future of the H-1B program and its implications for the U.S. labor market.
The poll conducted by DeSantis underscores the polarizing nature of the H-1B visa program in U.S. public discourse. With nearly two-thirds of respondents favoring a complete end to the program, it is evident that concerns over job security, wage suppression, and the impact of automation resonate strongly with many Americans. This debate highlights the delicate balance between protecting domestic labor interests and maintaining the United States’ global competitiveness in technology and engineering sectors.
Critics of DeSantis’s stance argue that abruptly eliminating H-1B visas could disrupt industries that heavily rely on high-skilled foreign talent, particularly Indian professionals who have long contributed to innovation and growth in Silicon Valley and beyond. Supporters of reform, however, insist that changes or even a complete shutdown are necessary to prevent companies from exploiting the system and to ensure that American workers are not unfairly displaced.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the H-1B visa issue transcends immigration policy, touching on broader questions of economic fairness, technological progress, and national priorities.
Source: Original article