Texas Pauses H-1B Visa Program, Citing Workforce Concerns

Governor Greg Abbott suspends applications statewide, claiming the program is being exploited.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The state of Texas has ordered a pause on H-1B visa applications for public universities and state agencies, with Governor Greg Abbott citing concerns that the program is being exploited by "bad actors" who are not making enough effort to hire American workers before turning to foreign labor.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program is a critical pipeline for high-skilled talent in industries like technology, healthcare, and academia. Texas' move to restrict the program could have significant impacts on institutions like the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, which relies on H-1B workers to fill specialized roles.

The details

In a letter to state agency heads, Governor Abbott wrote that the H-1B visa program was "created to supplement the United States' workforce—not to replace it." He asserted that some employers have "exploited" the program by not making sufficient efforts to hire American workers before turning to foreign labor.

  • On February 10, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued the directive to suspend H-1B visa applications.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who issued the directive to suspend H-1B visa applications in the state.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

A renowned cancer research and treatment institution in Texas that relies on H-1B visa workers to fill specialized roles.

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The takeaway

Texas' move to restrict the H-1B visa program could have significant impacts on the state's ability to attract and retain top global talent, particularly in critical industries like healthcare and technology that rely on this pipeline of skilled foreign workers.