Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a stop to new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and public universities.
He wants to make sure that Texans get jobs that they are qualified for, instead of these jobs going to foreign workers.
The governor is concerned that the H-1B visa program is being misused and that some foreign workers might be taking jobs that could be filled by locals.
He has asked these agencies and universities to report on how many H-1B workers they have and what they are doing.
Some universities, like the University of Houston and Texas A&M, have already stopped sponsoring new H-1B petitions.
The governor's goal is to protect jobs for Texans and ensure that the H-1B program is used correctly.
The pause is scheduled to last until May 31, 2027, with exceptions possible through the Texas Workforce Commission.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and public universities.
The move aims to prioritize jobs for Texans and address potential misuse of the H-1B visa program.
The pause is scheduled to last until May 31, 2027, with exceptions possible through the Texas Workforce Commission.
Some universities, like the University of Houston and Texas A&M, have already stopped sponsoring new H-1B petitions.
The governor's action follows similar measures by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has also criticized the H-1B visa program.
- Who
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott
- What
- Ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and public universities
- When
- Announced on January 27, 2026, with a pause until May 31, 2027
- Where
- Texas, focusing on state agencies and public universities
- Why
- To ensure Texans are prioritized for jobs and to address potential misuse of the H-1B visa program
Pro-Immigration Advocates
Governor Greg Abbott
Purpose of H-1B Visas
Pro-Immigration Advocates
H-1B visas are crucial for filling specialized roles that may lack sufficient local talent, benefiting both the economy and educational institutions.
Governor Greg Abbott
The H-1B program is often misused to fill jobs that could be filled by Texans, displacing local workers and undermining the program's intended purpose.
Impact on Education
Pro-Immigration Advocates
H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to STEM fields, research, and other critical areas, enhancing the quality of education and innovation.
Governor Greg Abbott
Texas taxpayers invest billions in education and workforce training, and these jobs should prioritize Texans to ensure local economic benefits.
- Governor
- Greg Abbott
- Institutions Affected
- State agencies and public universities
- Review Focus
- H-1B visa holders in roles not requiring rare or highly specialized skills
- Governor's Concern
- Potential misuse of the H-1B visa program and overstaying of visas
- Potential Action
- Texas may ask the federal government to withdraw certain H-1B visa holders
- Governor's Goal
- Protect Texans' jobs and ensure public safety
- Report Deadline
- March 2026
- Universities Affected
- University of Houston, Texas A&M University System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Pause Duration
- Until May 31, 2027
- Exceptions
- Permission from the Texas Workforce Commission
Sources
Texas moves to purge H-1B from taxpayer-funded roles: Governor probes visa use in schools, universities
Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions At State Agencies, Universities
‘Freeze new H-1B visa petitions’: Texas governor announces big crackdown
'System Being Abused': Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Applications, Citing Need To Protect US Jobs
H-1B visa freeze in Texas: Governor Greg Abbott says ‘Texans come first’ in local employment push; bans Chinese firms
Texas freezes H 1B visa hiring across public institutions: Governor says jobs 'should have been filled by Texans'
Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions at State Agencies and Universities
Texas Governor halts new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies, universities
Texas Governor Halts H-1B Hiring At State Colleges, Agencies
Texas halts H-1B visas at state universities, agencies; to affect Indians
Texas halts H-1B visas at State universities, agencies; to affect Indians
