Trump proposal

Tightening restrictions on guest-worker visas could hurt South Florida.

A little-noticed executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month could be the first step in tightening restrictions on guest-worker visas that nourish South Florida’s growing hightech business sector, a move that could have serious economic consequences, several key industry figures say.

The visa, known as the H-1B, is for skilled foreign professionals, and it’s primarily used by high-tech workers. Miami ranks a surprisingly high 38th as a destination city for H-1B holders taking jobs in a quietly growing South Florida industry hub that has made Florida the fourth-largest state in terms of high-tech employment, according to industry association CompTia.

“Miami is on a path,” said billionaire health care mogul Mike Hernandez. “You’re starting to see Silicon Valley companies like Google and Facebook open offices in Miami, and you’re starting to see venture-capital companies in Miami that will fund high-tech startups.

“That wouldn’t have happened without those visas, and it won’t continue if the visas are restricted.”

Immigration-watchers expect the proposed rules to start rolling in over the next four to six months. They could range from cutting the number of visas (U.S. law sets a cap of 88,000 per year) to cutting their length (with renewals, they can now last up to six years) or putting restrictions on who is eligible for them.