The debate around the H-1B visa program is once again drawing attention after a new filing by the University of Pennsylvania surfaced online this week.
Researcher and commentator Chris Brunet posted on X that the university had filed a notice of intent to hire an H-1B worker for a Data Analyst role.
“This morning, the University of Pennsylvania (@Penn) filed a notice of intent to hire an H-1B Data Analyst. Salary: $79,584,” Brunet wrote.
According to the filing, the position is listed under the university’s General Internal Medicine department within the Perelman School of Medicine. The role carries an annual salary of $79,584.75 and is scheduled to begin on December 23, 2025, continuing through December 22, 2028.
READ: India announces record $20.5 billion investment in US at SelectUSA 2026 (May 8, 2026)
The filing also showed that the work locations include multiple Philadelphia offices, including 423 Guardian Drive and 3600 Civic Center Boulevard, along with remote work arrangements in Philadelphia and Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
The university’s notice stated that the Labor Condition Application was submitted in compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements tied to H-1B hiring. It also clarified that a candidate had already been selected for the role and that the notice was “not a posting for an open position.”
The document further noted:
“Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in the labor condition application and/or failure to comply with the terms of the labor condition application may be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.”
As a cap-exempt institution, the University of Pennsylvania is allowed to sponsor H-1B workers outside the annual visa lottery that applies to many private employers. Data from federal filings shows the university has submitted dozens of Labor Condition Applications during fiscal year 2026, with most receiving approval after meeting Department of Labor wage and compliance standards designed to protect U.S. workers and salaries.
READ: 5.6 million immigrants are keeping America’s hospitals and schools running, study finds (May 7, 2026)
The filing quickly reignited online arguments over the H-1B system. Conservative television host Laura Ingraham has previously criticized the visa program, calling it an “obscene” scam that she argues undercuts American workers.
The filing also sparked strong reactions online, with several users criticizing universities for hiring foreign workers through the H-1B program. One user wrote, “All state universities across our great nation who are recipients of public funds should not be allowed to hire, train, enroll or educate foreigners. IF We THE PEOPLE are paying for it: Hire, enroll, train, educate Americans���� (US citizens only). Thanks.”
Another user commented, “So send your kids there for a small fortune and watch them NOT get hired there.” A third user added, “Ridiculous. There are MANY Americans capable of doing that job. We must stop this crazy Indian migration nonsense. Especially since we know several of them PURCHASED their degrees and credentials and are UNQUALIFIED for their positions. NO!”