Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor and CEO of Azoria, has launched his campaign on an “America First” platform centered on the complete dismantling of the H-1B visa program.
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Fishback argues that the federal H-1B visa program harms American workers by “importing cheap labourers” for IT and accounting jobs, thereby blocking opportunities for US citizens.
- Targeting Indian Workers: He specifically singled out Indians because they are the largest recipients, receiving approximately 77% of all H-1B visas. He maintains this is a matter of prioritizing Americans, not hating immigrants.
- Vowed Executive Action: If elected Governor, Fishback promises immediate action on his first day in office, including:
- Firing every H-1B visa holder working in Florida state agencies.
- Cancelling state contracts with companies that employ H-1B workers instead of qualified Floridians.
- Imposing “massive, massive fines” on companies that rely on the program.
- Call for Immigration Moratorium: Fishback advocates for a complete moratorium on legal immigration, stating that immigrants, even those who become citizens, should not be included in the American dream, as the nation is “overflowing with talent, grit, and brilliance.”
Political Context and Rivalry
- Clash with Trump and Rivals: While a supporter of President Donald Trump, Fishback has openly criticized Trump’s support for high-skilled visa programs. He has also directly attacked his Republican rival, Trump-endorsed Representative Byron Donalds, labeling him “H-1Byron” for allegedly siding with corporate interests.
- Personal Motivation: Fishback has made the issue personal, claiming his mother lost her job in Florida in 2021 and was replaced by an H-1B worker shortly after.
Background on James Fishback
- Fishback is a 30-year-old investor and CEO of Azoria.
- He is the son of a Colombian immigrant but contrasts his mother’s arrival with the contemporary immigration landscape.
- He dropped out of Georgetown University and established a hedge fund at age 21.
