Gov. Abbott Orders State Agencies to Halt H-1B Visa Petitions
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive requiring all state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions. This order will remain in effect until the conclusion of the 2027 legislative session.
Review of the H-1B Visa Program
Abbott’s announcement comes amid concerns over reported abuses within the H-1B visa program. The program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for specialized roles, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Impact on Texas Institutions
All state agencies and higher education institutions must conduct a thorough review of their current H-1B visa usage. This includes submitting detailed reports on existing visa holders, documenting job classifications, and outlining recruitment efforts for Texas candidates.
Key Statistics
- Texas A&M University is the state’s 17th-largest employer of H-1B visa holders, with 214 staff members.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research employs 55 nonimmigrant workers under the program.
The Texas A&M System has been asked to provide data on H-1B visa employees, although recent severe winter weather may affect data submission timelines.
Compliance Deadlines
The reports are due to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026. This mandate emphasizes the need for agencies to provide comprehensive information on their H-1B program participation.
National Context
This move follows similar actions by other states. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initiated a crackdown on H-1B visas in higher education last year, urging institutions to prioritize American graduates.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders in Texas educational institutions will be closely monitoring the implications of Abbott’s directive on their H-1B visa practices.
