Texas Abbott Freezes New H1B Visa Petitions for State Entities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday directed state agencies and public universities to immediately suspend new petitions for H1B visas, which allow skilled foreign workers to fill specialized positions, amid concerns over the program's use in the state.

In a letter to agency heads, Abbott ordered a freeze on sponsoring nonimmigrant workers under the H1B program until the end of the Texas Legislature's 90th Regular Session on May 31, 2027. Exceptions require written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. The directive also mandates that agencies submit a detailed report to the commission by March 27, 2026, covering the number of current H1B visa holders they employ, their countries of origin, job classifications, and documentation of recruitment efforts for qualified Texas residents before hiring foreign workers.

Abbott cited recent reports of program abuse and the federal government's review of H1B visas, stating in the letter that the initiative, meant to attract top global talent for unmet needs, has often filled roles that could go to American workers. "The Texas economy should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers," he wrote. On social media,...