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Texas Governor Suspends H-1B Visa Petitions Amid Abuse Concerns

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered a suspension of new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and universities through May 31, 2027.
The move follows reports of abuse in the H-1B program, which targets highly skilled foreign workers in Texas, where there are over 40,000 beneficiaries.
Agencies must report H-1B petitions and visa holder details by March 27, 2026, with exceptions by permission from the Texas Workforce Commission.

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Story summary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered a suspension of new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and universities through May 31, 2027.
The move follows reports of abuse in the H-1B program, which targets highly skilled foreign workers in Texas, where there are over 40,000 beneficiaries.
Agencies must report H-1B petitions and visa holder details by March 27, 2026, with exceptions by permission from the Texas Workforce Commission.