The Sconi

Tom Tiffany, a Representative from Wisconsin, has advocated for American universities to prioritize hiring U.S. graduates and called for the termination of the H-1B visa exemption for higher education. He made this statement on the social media platform X.

"Thank you, Sen. Tom Cotton, for introducing the CAP Act in the Senate," said Tiffany. "It's time to shut down the H-1B loophole that allows universities to import unlimited foreign workers. American universities should be developing and hiring American graduates."

Recent discussions have focused on the employment of foreign workers in U.S. universities through H-1B visas, particularly following the introduction of the CAP Act. This legislation aims to restrict the number of foreign workers hired for academic positions, sparking debate over balancing global talent with opportunities for American graduates, as reported by Inside Higher Ed.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, approximately 12,000 H-1B visas were issued to employees of American universities in fiscal year 2023. These visas represent a significant portion of hires in research and specialized teaching roles.

A report from the National Science Foundation in 2023 found that foreign graduates constitute about 32% of STEM faculty. However, it also noted that American citizens are more likely to secure permanent university positions, while foreign-born faculty often occupy temporary or postdoctoral roles.

Tiffany is a Republican U.S. Representative known for supporting stricter immigration policies and advocating for visa reforms. He serves on natural resources and oversight committees, according to Ballotpedia.