Texas Governor Greg Abbott Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a suspension of new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and public universities, effective immediately and lasting until May 31, 2027. This directive comes amid concerns regarding potential abuses of the H-1B visa program, which allows highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S., primarily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The program allocates 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 for workers holding advanced degrees.

Texas Governor Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions by State Agencies, Public UniversitiesTexas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agenciesGovernor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public Sector

Abbott's administration is conducting a review of H-1B visa usage in taxpayer-funded institutions, questioning whether foreign workers are occupying positions that could be filled by Texans. The governor has requested state agencies to compile data on the number of H-1B visa holders employed, their job roles, and the reasons for their hiring. Abbott emphasized the need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to employ foreign workers in jobs that do not require specialized skills.

Governor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public SectorTexas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agenciesTexas Governor Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions by State Agencies, Public Universities

In a letter to state agency heads, Abbott stated, "State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first." He expressed concerns about reports of visa holders being registered at single addresses and the potential for individuals overstaying their visas. Abbott noted that the review aligns with broader immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, indicating coordination with federal authorities.

Governor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public Sector

Critics of Abbott's directive argue that halting H-1B visa petitions could hinder the ability of Texas institutions to attract top talent necessary for innovation and competitiveness. Some business leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously advocated for the continuation of the H-1B program to maintain the U.S.'s global standing in technology and innovation. The suspension may also impact major employers in Texas, particularly in the IT sector, which heavily relies on H-1B visa holders.

Texas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agencies

As of 2025, Texas ranks second in the nation for H-1B visa holders, following California, with over 40,000 beneficiaries approved to work for more than 6,100 employers. Notably, at least 1,200 H-1B visa holders are employed at various public universities, including the University of Texas system and Texas A&M University. Major employers of H-1B visa holders in Texas include technology companies such as Oracle and Tesla.

Texas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agenciesTexas Governor Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions by State Agencies, Public UniversitiesGovernor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public Sector

The findings from the ongoing review may lead Texas to formally request action from the federal government regarding H-1B visa holders. Abbott has indicated that the state may call on the Trump administration to withdraw certain visa holders if necessary, as part of a broader effort to protect job opportunities for Texans.

Governor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public SectorTexas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agenciesTexas Governor Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions by State Agencies, Public Universities

“Rather than serving its intended purpose of attracting the best and brightest individuals from around the world to our nation to fill truly specialized and unmet labor needs, the program has too often been used to fill jobs that otherwise could—and should— have been filled by Texans,” — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Texas governor orders H-1B hiring freeze at state universities and agencies

“We want to make sure that our communities are not having people come in and take jobs that Texans can easily fill.” — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Governor Greg Abbott Orders Review Of H-1B Visa Use In Texas Public Sector