Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Texas Governor Proposes H-1B Teacher Ban In Public Schools
Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants public schools to stop hiring teachers through a special H-1B work visa program.
The program lets some foreign workers take specialized jobs in the United States.
Abbott says Texas schools should give jobs to local workers first.
He also says the state should limit foreign influence in education.
More than 300 teachers in Texas schools currently use these visas.
Many work in bilingual or foreign-language teaching, where schools can have trouble finding staff.
The proposal would also affect workers who already have H-1B visas.
The Texas Legislature must approve the plan before it can become law.
Some school districts worry the ban could make teacher shortages harder to solve.
Governor Greg Abbott has proposed banning H-1B workers from Texas public schools.
The proposal would cover both current H-1B employees and future visa applicants.
More than 300 teachers in nearly 50 Texas districts and charter networks use H-1B visas.
Dallas Independent School District employs about 171 H-1B workers, while Houston ISD has around 30.
The Texas Legislature must approve the measure, which could worsen shortages in bilingual and foreign-language teaching.
- Who
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas public school districts, H-1B teachers, and the Texas Legislature.
- What
- Abbott has proposed banning public schools from employing workers through the H-1B visa program.
- When
- The proposal was announced in Austin; the legislature is expected to consider it next year.
- Where
- Texas, including public school districts and charter networks across the state.
- Why
- Abbott says Texas should prioritize local workers and limit foreign influence in public education.
Governor's Rationale
Potential School Concerns
Hiring priorities
Governor's Rationale
Abbott argues that Texas public education jobs should be prioritized for local workers rather than filled through the H-1B program.
Potential School Concerns
School districts rely on international recruitment for positions that are difficult to fill locally, including bilingual and foreign-language teaching.
Foreign influence
Governor's Rationale
Abbott says Texas should limit foreign influence and has proposed restricting certain gifts and financial arrangements involving foreign governments or entities.
Potential School Concerns
The proposal could limit districts' staffing options and create additional challenges for schools already struggling to fill vacancies.
Existing H-1B teachers
Governor's Rationale
The proposed legislation would cover both current H-1B workers and people seeking H-1B visas for specialized school positions.
Potential School Concerns
Removing existing H-1B teachers could intensify shortages, particularly in specialized language-teaching roles.
- Affected workers
- More than 300 teachers across nearly 50 Texas school districts and charter networks.
- Largest reported district user
- Dallas Independent School District, with about 171 H-1B workers.
- Second-largest reported district user
- Houston ISD, with around 30 H-1B workers.
- Common teaching areas
- Bilingual education and foreign-language teaching.
- Legislative status
- The proposal requires approval from the Texas Legislature before Abbott can sign it into law.
- Possible expansion
- Abbott has indicated that restrictions could eventually extend to colleges and universities.