FIU institutes a 'pause' in hiring Cuban, Chinese researchers as law goes into effect

The hiring freeze is due to a Florida law passed earlier this year meant to combat the infiltration of the higher education system by "countries of concern" — including Cuba, Venezuela, China, Russia, Syria, Iran and North Korea.

Florida International University has instituted an immediate “pause” in hiring individuals from several countries, including China, Cuba and Venezuela, according to an internal email obtained by WLRN.

The freeze is due to a law passed earlier this year meant to combat “countries of concern” infiltrating the higher education system. As defined by state law, those countries include: Cuba, Venezuela, China, Russia, Syria, Iran and North Korea.