Iowa Senate Panels Advance Bill to Restrict Noncitizen Hiring at State Universities

Legislation would bar employment contracts with H1-B visa holders from 'federally designated foreign adversaries'

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:00pm

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The Iowa Senate has advanced a bill that would prohibit state universities from entering into employment contracts with H-1B visa holders from certain countries deemed 'foreign adversaries' by the federal government, including China, Russia, Iran, and others. The bill, which passed the House last week, has raised concerns from university officials about potential lawsuits over discrimination based on national origin.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort by some state lawmakers to limit the hiring of noncitizens, particularly those from countries seen as security threats, at public universities. Supporters argue it's necessary to protect sensitive research and information, while critics contend it could open the door to unlawful discrimination.

The details

House File 2513 would bar state universities and community colleges from employing H-1B visa holders from Syria, China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela. University officials have raised concerns that the bill could lead to lawsuits, noting that only a small percentage of their nearly 30,000 employees - between 120 and 130 people - currently hold H-1B visas. Supporters of the bill, including the chair of the Senate subcommittee that advanced it, argued that even a 'few bad actors' could pose a threat to national security by potentially stealing intellectual property or aiding adversaries.

  • The bill passed the Iowa House last week with a 68-27 vote.
  • The Senate subcommittee and workforce committee advanced the bill on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

House File 2513

The legislation that would bar state universities from entering into employment contracts with H-1B visa holders from certain 'foreign adversary' countries.

Jillian Carlson

The state relations officer for the Iowa Board of Regents, who said the universities have concerns the bill could lead to lawsuits over discrimination.

Dennis Tibben

The lobbyist for State Shield Action, a 'public policy group focused on safeguarding the states against national security threats,' who called the legislation a 'common sense approach' to protecting sensitive information.

Sen. Mike Pike

The Republican chair of the Senate subcommittee that advanced the bill, who argued a vote against it is a vote for U.S. adversaries to 'steal intellectual property and opportunities from U.S. citizens.'

Sen. Thomas Townsend

The Democratic senator who expressed concerns the bill could lead to discriminatory hiring practices and lawsuits against the universities.

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What they’re saying

“We do have concerns that this would open us up to lawsuits due to conflict with both state and federal laws on discrimination based on national origin.”

— Jillian Carlson, State relations officer, Iowa Board of Regents

“This is a common sense approach to ensuring the sensitive information being used and produced by U.S. higher education institutions is safe and isn't exposed to potentially hostile people.”

— Dennis Tibben, Lobbyist, State Shield Action

“Those numbers are concerning to me as to, is this what's in the best interest, not only for our students, but also for our country, (to) have individuals here that … may not be loyal to America in the same manner that we all are.”

— Sen. Adrian Dickey

“It could open up the universities and the board of regents to lawsuits for discrimination of country of origin.”

— Sen. Thomas Townsend

“I urge a yes vote on this bill that sends a message that it is not acceptable to hire professors whose main objective may be how they can best aid terrorism or foreign adversaries.”

— Sen. Mike Pike, Chair, Senate subcommittee

What’s next

The legislation will now move to the full Iowa Senate for debate and a vote.

The takeaway

This bill reflects growing concerns among some state lawmakers about the potential national security risks posed by hiring noncitizens, particularly from countries seen as adversaries, at public universities. However, university officials warn the legislation could lead to costly legal battles over discrimination.