Texas Scorecard By Brandon Waltens January 27, 2026
A new order from Gov. Greg Abbott pauses the controversial program while an investigation takes place on potential abuse. Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate freeze on new H-1B visa petitions by Texas state agencies and public institutions of higher education, citing concerns that the federal program has been abused to displace American workers.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott wrote in a directive sent Monday to agency heads, adding that state government must “lead by example” and ensure that jobs funded by taxpayers are filled by Texans first.
Under the order, no state agency controlled by a gubernatorial appointee or public institution of higher education may initiate or file a new H-1B visa petition without written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. The freeze will remain in effect through the end of the next regular session of the legislature on May 31, 2027.
An H-1B visa is a temporary U.S. work visa that allows American employers to hire foreign workers in certain “specialty” occupations that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree—common fields include technology, engineering, science, and math.
Supporters of the controversial program say it is necessary to fill skill gaps that cannot be met by the domestic labor pool, though it has drawn scrutiny for replacing American workers and contributing to mass migration.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-freezes-h-1b-visas-for-state-agencies-and-universities/
