Abbott proposes ban on H-1B visa workers in Texas public schools

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for a complete ban on the use of H-1B visa workers in the state's public schools, arguing that taxpayer-funded education jobs should be reserved for residents of Texas. The proposal, unveiled on August 18, 2026, targets a federal visa program used to temporarily hire foreign workers for specialized occupations.

Abbott stated he will ask state lawmakers to pass legislation prohibiting public school districts from sponsoring or employing workers through the H-1B program when the Texas Legislature convenes next year. He said exactly zero Texas public school employees should be in the country on H-1B visas. The move is framed as part of a broader initiative to eliminate foreign influence from Texas K-12 schools, with the governor also seeking to prohibit districts from accepting money, materials, or partnerships from foreign governments and their connected entities.

Data cited in reports on the proposal indicates more than 300 employees at Texas public and charter schools currently work under H-1B visas, making Texas the nation's largest public-school sponsor of the visas. The Dallas Independent School District alone employs 171 such workers,...