Iowa bill could limit hiring of international workers at colleges

Iowa (KWQC) - A bill moving through the Iowa legislature could change who colleges and universities in the state are allowed to hire.

If passed, it would place new restrictions on certain international workers.

Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would block schools from hiring certain workers on H-1B visas if they are from countries the U.S. considers foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Dongwang Liu, president of the Iowa City Area Chinese Association, says the bill raises concerns within the community and could have broader impacts.

“That will become maybe the first discriminatory law in the state… and it won’t make Iowa look good,” Liu said.

Liu says the effects could go beyond hiring, potentially impacting academics, research and universities’ ability to attract talent.

“These are highly talented people who have to compete nationwide and internationally to bring about advanced research in different fields,” Liu said. “If we prevent these people from coming, we’ll lose to other states.”

Supporters of the bill point to national security concerns, including past cases of intellectual property theft, while critics argue many of those workers are highly skilled and play a key role in universities across the state.

“We have folks working in different areas, helping bring faster internet to rural communities and contributing in agriculture, engineering and many other fields,” Liu said. “They help turn research into practical knowledge and techniques that benefit the state of Iowa.”

The bill has cleared the Iowa House and is now in the Senate. If approved, it would go to the governor’s desk before becoming law.

Liu said they’re planning to hold a rally at the state capitol this Saturday, calling on lawmakers to reconsider the bill.