Texas Governor Orders Freeze on H-1B Visas for State Agencies and Universities

Abbott cites need to prioritize Texan workers, but experts warn of potential labor shortages

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on the use of H-1B visas by all public universities and state agencies in the state. The order, which requires Congressional approval, would be in place until the next legislative session ends in May 2027. Abbott cited the need to prioritize employment opportunities for Texan workers, but immigration experts warn the move could lead to significant job vacancies and endanger important initiatives.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program is designed to allow U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. While the program has faced some criticism, experts argue it is highly regulated to protect American jobs. Abbott's order could disrupt university research and teaching, as well as operations in state agencies that rely on skilled foreign workers.

The details

Abbott's order directs all public universities to cease sponsoring H-1B visas for workers and submit detailed reports on their current H-1B visa holders, including their country of origin and efforts to hire qualified Texan candidates. The governor cited a 2025 Trump administration directive to restrict H-1B visas and impose higher fees, suggesting foreign workers are taking advantage of the system.

  • On January 27, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott announced the order in a letter to state agencies.
  • The order would be in place until the next legislative session ends on May 31, 2027, pending Congressional approval.
  • Public universities must submit reports on their H-1B visa holders to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The current Governor of Texas, who issued the order to freeze the use of H-1B visas in state agencies and public universities.

Jason Finkelman

An immigration attorney who argues the H-1B visa program is highly regulated to protect American jobs and that Abbott's order does not make sense.

Ruby Powers

An immigration attorney who warns that Abbott's order could lead to significant job vacancies and endanger important initiatives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (thedailytexan.com)

“The H-1B visa program is actually one of the most regulated visas in our entire immigration system, and it was designed to be highly regulated to protect American jobs. It is a very safe, very regulated program.”

— Jason Finkelman, Immigration Attorney (thedailytexan.com)

“With a lot of other uncertainty that's going on in the country and the labor pool, I can see that vacancies might be there for a long time, putting … a lot of initiatives in danger. I think this is going to set a dangerous precedent.”

— Ruby Powers, Immigration Attorney (thedailytexan.com)

What’s next

The order requires Congressional approval before it can be implemented. If approved, public universities must submit detailed reports on their H-1B visa holders to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Abbott's order to freeze H-1B visas in state agencies and public universities is aimed at prioritizing employment opportunities for Texan workers, but experts warn it could lead to significant labor shortages and disrupt important initiatives. The move highlights the ongoing debate around the H-1B visa program and the balance between protecting American jobs and attracting skilled foreign talent.