Texas Governor Freezes H-1B Visa Applications at Public Universities and State Agencies
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a directive to freeze new H-1B visa applications at public universities and state agencies. This move aims to scrutinize the employment of foreign workers at taxpayer-funded institutions. The freeze will remain in effect until the end of the next legislative session in May 2027. Agencies and universities must seek permission from the Texas Workforce Commission to file new H-1B visa petitions during this period.
Abbott has mandated detailed reports on H-1B visa petitions, holders, job titles, countries of origin, and expiration dates to be submitted to the commission. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing Texans for employment opportunities funded by taxpayer dollars. The governor expressed his intention to review data from public schools and universities to develop an action plan regarding the employment of H-1B visa holders in the state.
The directive follows a request for visa information from Texas A&M University System leaders. The move comes after reports on the use of H-1B visas by Texas A&M University and other institutions. H-1B visas allow employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Public universities often utilize these visas to hire professors, researchers, and medical professionals.
Restricting universities' ability to hire international faculty and researchers could impact Texas's economy and innovation pipeline. Higher education advocates warn that such restrictions may hinder the state's competitiveness in attracting top talent. Similar scrutiny of H-1B visa usage has been observed in other states, such as Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis directed public universities to limit their use of the program.
The move to freeze new H-1B visa applications in Texas reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny on the employment of foreign workers at public institutions. The impact of these measures on the state's higher education sector and innovation ecosystem remains to be seen.