A social media post has pushed back against Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ rhetoric on immigration, disputing his characterisation of H-1B workers as “invaders” by citing employment and workforce data. The post argues that the language is politically charged and misleading, particularly as several US states, including Florida, continue to face labour shortages in specialised fields.According to the post, H-1B visa holders make up only a small fraction of the overall workforce and are concentrated in sectors such as software engineering, healthcare, research, higher education and advanced manufacturing. It contends that portraying these workers as a threat ignores the structure of the visa programme, which operates under annual caps, employer sponsorship requirements and wage rules intended to prevent the undercutting of domestic labour. The criticism also highlights Florida’s labour market realities. The state has seen rapid economic growth in recent years, alongside persistent shortages in skilled roles, especially in STEM and medical professions. Industry groups have repeatedly warned that demand for specialised workers outpaces local supply, a gap that critics say H-1B professionals help to fill by taking on positions that often remain vacant for extended periods.The post frames the governor’s language as political theatre, arguing that it is aimed at energising voters rather than addressing policy questions around workforce needs. It contrasts hardline rhetoric with federal data showing that the H-1B programme is tightly regulated and shaped by employer demand, not mass entry or open borders.
