Texas pauses new H-1B visa requests as Abbott orders statewide review of program use
Austin, Texas – Texas state government hiring practices are facing an immediate shift after Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions and closely examine how the visa program is currently being used.
Governor Abbott announced that he has directed every Texas state agency and university to freeze new H-1B visa petitions while a full review of existing participation in the federal program is conducted. The move comes as national scrutiny grows over alleged abuse of the H-1B visa system and whether it is being used in ways that disadvantage American workers.
State agencies ordered to review H-1B visa use
In his directive, Abbott made clear that Texas should prioritize its own workforce, especially when public funds are involved.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” reads the directive. “In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program, and amid the federal government’s ongoing review of that program to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions as outlined in this letter. State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first.”
The governor’s order applies broadly across state government, including higher education institutions that often rely on specialized workers. By freezing new petitions, agencies must pause hiring through the H-1B program while the review is underway.
Abbott said the action aligns Texas with ongoing federal efforts to evaluate whether the H-1B visa program is functioning as intended. Supporters of the move argue it protects job opportunities for Texans, while critics say it could affect recruitment for highly skilled roles.
The governor’s office said the review will focus on how state entities are using the program and whether reforms are needed to ensure transparency and fairness.
