A recent poll on X conducted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis indicates strong public support for eliminating H-1B visas. According to the poll, 62.3% of respondents favored ending the program entirely, while 31.4% supported reforming it, and only 6.3% preferred keeping it unchanged.
The poll, which closed with 49,206 votes and reached over 638,000 views, has sparked renewed debate over the future of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in technology and engineering fields.
DeSantis, a potential 2028 presidential contender, has frequently criticized the H-1B visa program, arguing that it affects job opportunities and wages for American workers. The governor’s poll results reflect growing public interest in reforming U.S. immigration policies related to high-skilled labor.
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DeSantis has recently intensified his criticism of the H-1B visa program, labeling it a “total scam” and accusing companies of exploiting it to import “cheap foreign labor” at the expense of American workers. He argues that the program is particularly detrimental as automation and artificial intelligence are poised to displace many white-collar jobs, making it unjustifiable to continue importing foreign workers under such conditions.
Even Florida Representative Anthony Sabatini, have called for a complete shutdown of the H-1B visa program, arguing that it is necessary to protect American workers. They contend that the program has been misused to displace U.S. employees with lower-paid foreign workers.
DeSantis’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, especially among Indian professionals who constitute a substantial portion of H-1B visa holders. Some of the users have also point out that Indian workers have been integral to the U.S. technology sector, contributing to its growth and innovation. The governor’s comments have added to the ongoing debate over the future of the H-1B program and its impact on the U.S. labor market.
The poll conducted by DeSantis underscores just how polarizing the H-1B visa program has become in U.S. public discourse. With nearly two-thirds of respondents favoring a complete end to the program, it is clear that concerns over job security, wage suppression, and the impact of automation resonate strongly with many Americans. At the same time, the debate highlights the delicate balance between protecting domestic labor interests and maintaining the U.S.’s global competitiveness in technology and engineering sectors.
Critics of DeSantis’ stance argue that a sudden elimination of H-1B visas could disrupt industries that rely heavily on high-skilled foreign talent, particularly Indian professionals who have long contributed to innovation and growth in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Supporters, however, insist that reform or even a complete shutdown is necessary to prevent companies from exploiting the system and to ensure that American workers are not unfairly displaced.
As discussions continue, it is evident that the H-1B visa issue is not just about immigration policy but about broader questions of economic fairness, technological progress, and national priorities.