Abbott orders freeze amid visa abuse concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies and public universities to stop filing new H 1 B visa petitions. The decision comes as the state launches a review of how the visa program is being used across Texas.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Abbott said the move follows reports of misuse in the federal H 1 B program. He added that the goal is to make sure jobs in Texas go first to American workers.
Freeze will last through 2027 with limited exceptions
The governor said the pause on new visa petitions will remain in place until May 31, 2027. However, agencies may request exceptions if they receive written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.
Abbott also directed all state agencies and public universities to submit a detailed report by March 27, 2026. That report must list how many new and renewed H 1 B petitions were filed last year. It must also include how many workers were sponsored, their countries of origin, and their job roles.
Similar moves emerging in other states
Texas is not alone in reviewing the program. In Florida, the Board of Governors is considering a pause on H 1 B visas for public universities until early 2027.
The H 1 B visa allows highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. Most of these roles are in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Federal policy adds pressure to the program
Each year, the federal government issues 65,000 H 1 B visas. An additional 20,000 are set aside for workers with advanced degrees. These visas are usually granted for three to six years.
Last year, President Donald Trump introduced a one time 100,000 dollar fee for new H 1 B applicants. That decision faced legal challenges from more than 20 states, though Texas did not join the lawsuits.
The Trump administration has argued that some employers misuse the program to replace American workers with lower paid foreign labor. State leaders backing the freeze say the review is needed to protect local jobs and ensure fairness.
