According to a detailed examination by The College Fix, Purdue University and Indiana University are hiring foreign workers for data science and software engineering roles, even with a notable pool of American candidates available. This practice raises serious concerns regarding the welfare of American workers. Such decisions taken by these universities can be viewed as a betrayal of those who have invested time and resources into obtaining their education.
The salary for the position at Purdue ranges from $86,091 to $129,500. It is set to commence in November 2025 and continue through November 2028. Notably, the primary worksite for this role is located in North Carolina, which further emphasizes the disconnect from local talent. Despite Purdue’s prestigious STEM program, recognized among the top five in the country for its graduates, the university opted to prioritize a foreign worker instead.
State Representative Andrew Ireland has voiced his concerns about these job postings on his X account. He highlighted that this instance is indicative of a larger trend, as The College Fix reports there are currently at least thirteen other similar roles being offered. These positions, both remote and in-person, target foreign workers for STEM research and faculty roles, with salaries beginning at a minimum of $63,270.96 and some exceeding six figures.
The situation at Indiana University mirrors that of Purdue, as it filed to hire two associate software engineers under H-1B visas. Each position is advertised at a salary of $70,533 and runs from early 2026 through the end of 2028. Once again, this raises alarms about whether the H-1B visa program genuinely serves American interests or if it consistently prioritizes foreign labor over qualified Americans.
For too long, qualified American workers have seen opportunities slip away as foreign workers are chosen for positions for which they are equally or less qualified. It is disheartening to observe that universities, which should serve their local graduates and communities, often look outside their own borders for talent. It is reasonable to expect that American institutions prioritize their graduates and contribute positively to the domestic workforce, rather than opting for foreign replacements. The continued use of H-1B visas in these contexts demands a closer examination of the impact on American job seekers, pushing for reforms that truly benefit the American workforce.
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