An ongoing lawsuit aims to overturn Florida’s sensible legislation that limits the employment of foreign nationals from “countries of concern” at state universities. This legal challenge is misleadingly based on the notion that non-citizens possess an inherent right to work at American universities, a claim that takes precedence over the rights of American workers.
Professor Zhengfei Guan from the University of Florida initiated this lawsuit after his preferred candidate for a postdoctoral assistantship was rejected due to compliance with Senate Bill 846. This bill imposes necessary restrictions on hiring individuals from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. According to the Alligator campus newspaper, of the 18 international applicants for the position, the top candidate happened to be from China—a nation rightly identified as of concern.
Individuals from these nations can still apply for jobs but must go through Florida’s regulatory process to gain employment approval. It is high time that American policies prioritize the interests of our citizens over foreign nationals. Foreign students do not have an entitlement to jobs funded by American taxpayers. Last fiscal year alone, Florida invested at least $6 billion into higher education to benefit its residents and American citizens—not to buttress the career aspirations of foreign nationals who, in many cases, may return to their home countries.
Professor Guan should have no trouble finding a qualified American candidate to assist in his important agricultural research. It’s common sense that local and state funds should first support American students and workers who, in turn, contribute to our economy and societal well-being.
The lawsuit also includes two foreign students who argue that the law hinders their ability to secure employment. However, their visa applications should have reflected a commitment to self-sufficiency and a temporary stay in the U.S. as required by F-1 student visa regulations. Since they cannot self-fund their studies as promised, their claims to financial injury lack credibility. The United States does not bear responsibility for subsidizing non-citizens’ education and career ambitions, especially when such resources could benefit American students and workers.
Foreign students who are granted F-1 visas agree to maintain residences abroad and not seek permanent residency. They must have “sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study,” as per State Department requirements. The financially injured plaintiffs in this case appear to have fallen short of these conditions, making their plea for support under Florida taxpayer dollars highly questionable.
Ultimately, these funds and employment opportunities need to be redirected to deserving American students and researchers who will help build a stronger and more self-reliant nation. Supporting American citizens and permanent residents aligns with the principles of putting America First, ensuring our advancements and innovations benefit our own society.
It’s imperative that Florida maintains its stance on preserving the rights and opportunities for its own residents, reinforcing state sovereignty over education policies, and ensuring taxpayer money is utilized for the benefit of American citizens.