Iowans Rally Against Bill Limiting H-1B Hires at State Universities

Opponents argue the proposed legislation would drive away global talent and harm Iowa's university system.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:36am

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Hundreds of Iowans gathered at the state Capitol to protest a bill that would prohibit public universities from hiring H-1B visa holders from countries designated as foreign adversaries. Faculty members spoke out against the measure, saying it would force families to leave Iowa and undermine the state's ability to attract global talent to its universities.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of a broader national trend of restricting the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Critics argue these restrictions could harm universities' ability to recruit top international talent, while proponents cite national security concerns and the need to prioritize American workers.

The details

House File 2513 would prohibit Iowa's public universities, including Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa, from hiring H-1B visa holders from countries designated as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism, such as China, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Russia, and Venezuela. The bill passed the Iowa House with a 68-27 vote and is now being considered by the Senate.

  • The rally took place on March 21, 2026.
  • The proposed legislation, if passed, would take effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Hongwei Zhang

A computer engineering professor at Iowa State University since 2017 and an H-1B visa holder.

Zengyi Shao

A chemical engineering professor at Iowa State University who became a U.S. citizen after initially coming to the U.S. on an H-1B visa.

Jie Lie

A researcher at Iowa State University who has lived in Iowa since 2009 and worked at the university since 2011.

Emily Gao

An assistant teaching professor of architecture at Iowa State University and an H-1B visa holder.

Skyler Wheeler

A Republican state representative from Hull, Iowa, who said the bill is intended to enhance national security and protect sensitive research at Iowa's public universities.

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What they’re saying

“By this bill, H-1B visa holders may lose their rights to stay in Iowa. Essentially, families will potentially, starting July 1, have to move out of the state.”

— Hongwei Zhang, Computer engineering professor, Iowa State University

“If this bill had been in place years ago, I would not have been able to come to Iowa and serve as an educator.”

— Zengyi Shao, Chemical engineering professor, Iowa State University

“What worries me is it will also push those who are already here, not including many current or even previous H-1B visa holders, to live in other states that are more welcoming. So if this happens, basically the spirit of Iowa nice will likely become a thing of the past.”

— Zengyi Shao, Chemical engineering professor, Iowa State University

“It's just trying to put Iowa in a very bad place.”

— Jie Lie, Researcher, Iowa State University

“If this bill passes, our jobs are gone.”

— Emily Gao, Assistant teaching professor of architecture, Iowa State University

What’s next

The Iowa Senate is currently considering the bill and is expected to vote on it in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing national debate over the H-1B visa program and the balance between protecting national security, prioritizing American workers, and maintaining the ability of U.S. universities to attract top global talent. The outcome in Iowa could set a precedent for other states considering similar restrictions.