A new H-1B filing from the University of Pennsylvania sparked controversy after details about a $79,584 data analyst role circulated on social media this week.American commentator Chris Brunet mentioned the case on Channel X, writing that the corporation had appointed a foreign worker for the position.
“This morning, the University of Pennsylvania (@Penn) provided notice of intent to hire an H-1B Data Analyst.
“Salary: $79,584,” Brunet wrote.According to the filing, the position is located within the Department of General Internal Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine. Annual pay is listed at $79,584.75, and the role is scheduled to begin December 23, 2025 and continue through December 22, 2028.Work locations include several locations in Philadelphia, including 423 Guardian Drive and 3600 Civic Center Boulevard, along with remote arrangements in Philadelphia and Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.The university’s notice states that the work status application has been submitted in compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s requirements for H-1B employment. He also confirms that the candidate has already been selected, adding that the notice is “not an advertisement for an open position.”It warns that “complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in a work condition application and/or failure to comply with the terms of a work condition application may be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.”
Because the University of Pennsylvania is a cap-exempt institution, it can hire H-1B workers without going through the annual visa lottery that most private companies must use. U.S. government records show the university filed dozens of H-1B applications in fiscal year 2026. These applications are typically approved once officials confirm that the employer follows wage and labor rules meant to protect American workers.The filing sparked debate about the use of the H-1B program, especially in higher education. Conservative TV anchor Laura Ingraham had previously criticized the system, calling it an “outrageous” scam that she says harms American workers. Several other MAGA speakers such as James Fishback, Nalin Haley, and Priya Patel have all doubled down on their anti-H-1B stance.“All public universities across our great nation that receive public funds should not be allowed to hire, train, enroll or educate foreigners,” one social media user wrote.Another comment read: “Ridiculous. There are many Americans capable of doing this job. We must stop this crazy nonsense about Indian immigration. Especially since we know many of them bought their degrees and credentials and are not qualified for their positions. No!”
