Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and public institutions of higher education, citing concerns about abuse of the federal visa program and the need to prioritize jobs for Texas workers.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and public institutions of higher education, citing concerns about abuse of the federal visa program and the need to prioritize jobs for Texas workers.
The freeze will remain in effect through the end of the Texas Legislature’s 90th regular session on May 31, 2027, unless written permission is granted by the Texas Workforce Commission. In a letter directed to "Agency Heads," Abbott directed agencies led by gubernatorial appointees and state-run colleges and universities to stop initiating or filing new petitions to sponsor non-immigrant workers under the federal H-1B visa program. Abbott said the pause on new visa petitions is intended to give time for the Texas Legislature to consider statutory changes, for Congress to revise federal law, and for the federal administration to implement reforms to the H-1B visa program.The directive follows reports of misuse of the H-1B program and aligns with a federal review of the program’s administration. Abbott referenced Trump’s presidential proclamation, from Sept. 2025, stating that the visa program was intended to supplement the U.S. workforce rather than replace American workers. Under the order, state agencies and public institutions of higher education must submit a report to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026. The report must include: Abbott also instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to issue any guidance necessary to implement the directive. In the letter, Abbott highlighted state investments in education and workforce development, including legislation signed in 2023 allocating $5 billion to higher education programs and additional funding for workforce training in 2025. "In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program, and amid the federal government’s ongoing review of that program to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions as outlined in this letter. State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities, particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars, are filled by Texans first."
News Business Small Business Immigration Education Business Us Tx
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gov. Greg Abbott adds Bexar County to disaster declaration during winter weatherOn Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include 85 additional counties affected by the ongoing winter weather, bringing the total to 219.
Read more »
Gov. Greg Abbott wants Texas universities, schools to disclose information on H-1B visa hiringsThe Texas governor expects an action plan later this week, saying he doesn’t see “any reason” visa holders should be employed in schools.
Read more »
Gov. Greg Abbott says ICE needs to ‘recalibrate’ mission after deadly Minnesota shootingRepublican governor urges rethink in Washington on immigration as Democrats blame aggressive federal raids for the unrest.
Read more »
After weekend’s ICE killing, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott becomes latest Republican to distance himselfFollowing the slaying of Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti, Abbott says ICE must 'recalibrate' its mission and stop creating 'problems and fighting in communities.'
Read more »
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott halts new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and universitiesGov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas universities and state agencies on Tuesday to halt new H-1B visa petitions, which are used by employers to hire foreign workers
Read more »
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott halts new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and universitiesGov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas universities and state agencies on Tuesday to halt new H-1B visa petitions until next year.
Read more »