James Fishback, a candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race, has pledged to terminate the H-1B visa program if elected. He argues that the program restricts employment opportunities for American workers and disproportionately benefits immigrants from India. Fishback has stated that the majority of H-1B visas—around 77%—go to Indian nationals, which he believes creates an unfair advantage and contributes to job shortages for recent college graduates in Florida.
The 30-year-old investor emphasized that he would remove all H-1B visa holders working in state agencies and cancel contracts with companies that employ them. He also promised incentives for companies that prioritize hiring American workers. Criticizing fellow Republican Byron Donalds, Fishback accused him of aligning with corporate interests that support foreign labor through the H-1B program.
Fishback criticized former President Donald Trump’s support for high-skilled visa programs, even though he identifies as a Trump supporter. He calls for a complete halt to legal immigration, contrasting past immigration with current trends and claiming the latter undermines American jobs and values.
A self-described conservative outsider, Fishback founded the investment firm Azoria and previously served as an adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He comes from a working-class background and is the son of a Colombian immigrant.
Fishback’s campaign focuses heavily on protecting American workers while promoting “America First” policies, including strict limits on immigration and elimination of visa programs he views as harmful to the U.S. labor market.
