Recent job filings show Purdue University and Indiana University seeking foreign tech workers under the H-1B program despite large numbers of U.S. STEM graduates, prompting criticism from lawmakers and labor experts.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Purdue University and Indiana University have come under renewed scrutiny after filings revealed both institutions are seeking to hire foreign workers for technology-related positions under the H-1B visa program, even as their own campuses and the state of Indiana produce large numbers of STEM graduates each year.
According to an analysis published by The College Fix, both universities have submitted labor condition applications for data science and software engineering roles despite what the outlet described as Indiana’s wealth of qualified American candidates.
One Purdue position cited in the report carries a salary range of $86,091 to $129,500 and is scheduled to run from November 2025 through November 2028. Although the role is listed as remote, its primary worksite is identified as North Carolina. Purdue’s decision has drawn attention because the university consistently ranks among the top institutions nationally for STEM graduates.
Indiana State Rep. Andrew Ireland publicly highlighted the postings, drawing attention to the university hiring practices in a statement he shared on X.
The College Fix noted that the Purdue position is not an isolated case. “This is only one role among the 13 currently posted, each offering remote and in-person STEM research and faculty positions for foreign workers,” the outlet reported. According to the postings, the roles include data analysts and research assistants, with starting salaries of at least $63,270.96, and some exceeding six figures.
Indiana University has also submitted filings indicating plans to hire foreign workers. According to documents cited in the report, IU posted a filing expressing intent to employ two associate software engineers under the H-1B visa program. Each position lists a salary of $70,533 and is scheduled to run from early 2026 through the end of 2028, despite the availability of graduates from the university’s own programs.
The filings have renewed debate over the structure and impact of the H-1B visa program, particularly in higher education, where universities simultaneously train large numbers of domestic graduates while seeking authorization to employ foreign workers for specialized roles.
Critics argue the pattern raises questions about whether the program prioritizes domestic labor or incentivizes institutions to look abroad even when qualified U.S. workers are available. Supporters of the program maintain that it allows employers to fill specialized roles and remain competitive.
Neither Purdue University nor Indiana University has issued a public response addressing the specific criticisms raised in the analysis.
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