Iowa House Advances Bill to Limit Use of H-1B Visas

"If passed, House File 2513 would prevent public institutions from hiring H-1B visa holders whose nation of origin is among those designated "federally designated foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism." Examples include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela."

"At the Senate subcommittee meeting Wednesday, Jillian Carlson, state relations officer for the Iowa Board of Regents, voiced the concern that the bill would "conflict with both state and federal laws on discrimination based on national origin." She added that roughly 120 to 130 of the system's nearly 30,000 employees hold an H-1B visa."

""Those numbers are concerning to me as to, is this what's in the best interest, not only for our students, but also for our country, [to] have individuals here that ... may not be loyal to America in the same manner that we all are?" said Sen. Adrian Dickey, a Packwood Republican."

Iowa's House File 2513 restricts public institutions from hiring H-1B visa holders from countries designated as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela. The bill passed the House 68-27 and gained Senate committee approval, requiring only a floor vote and governor's signature to become law. Similar measures have been adopted in Texas and Florida with case-by-case exemptions. The Iowa Board of Regents reports approximately 120-130 of its 30,000 employees hold H-1B visas. Legal concerns exist regarding potential conflicts with state and federal discrimination laws based on national origin. While some legislators express loyalty concerns, others worry about the bill's constitutionality and impact on universities.

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