Washington: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday that he is directing the state’s Board of Governors to end the use of H-1B visas across state universities, saying that positions currently held by visa holders should be filled by Florida residents.

Speaking at a press conference at the University of South Florida in Tampa, DeSantis said the decision is aimed at ensuring that Florida citizens are “first in line for job opportunities.”

He said state universities must prioritise hiring local candidates over international workers employed through the H-1B visa programme, which allows U.S. institutions to hire foreign nationals in speciality occupations.

DeSantis said the state’s review identified university employees on H-1B visas in a range of roles, including assistant pro

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