Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions at State Agencies and Universities

Gov. Greg Abbott orders pause on foreign worker visas to prioritize Texan employment

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a halt on new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and public universities until May 2027. The move aims to prioritize employment opportunities for Texans, but critics argue it will worsen staffing shortages and hinder the state's ability to attract top global talent.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has long been a source of debate, with critics claiming it is used to bring in foreign workers willing to work for lower pay, while supporters argue it is crucial for filling specialized roles and driving innovation. Abbott's order in the Republican-led state reflects the ongoing political tensions around the program.

The details

Abbott's directive applies to all new H-1B visa petitions at Texas state agencies and public universities until May 31, 2027. The pause allows time for lawmakers to establish 'statutory guardrails' for the visa program and for the Trump administration's reforms to be implemented. However, exceptions can be granted with permission from the Texas Workforce Commission. The order requires state entities to provide data on current H-1B visa holders, including job titles, countries of origin, and visa expiration dates.

  • The pause on new H-1B visa petitions in Texas is scheduled to last until May 31, 2027.
  • Abbott issued the order on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who ordered the halt on new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and public universities.

Ramon Romero Jr.

A Democratic state representative and chairman of the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus, who criticized the move as making it harder to staff classrooms, research centers, and hospitals across the state.

Texas Workforce Commission

The state agency that can grant exceptions to the H-1B visa petition pause.

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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 (wral.com)

“'Freezing those pathways makes it harder to staff classrooms, research centers, and hospitals across our state, raising costs, straining public services, and hurting Texans in every corner of our state.'”

— Ramon Romero Jr., State Representative and Chairman of Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus (wral.com)

What’s next

The Texas Workforce Commission will be responsible for reviewing and approving any exceptions to the H-1B visa petition pause at state agencies and public universities.

The takeaway

Abbott's order reflects the ongoing political debate over the H-1B visa program, with proponents arguing it is crucial for attracting top talent and critics claiming it is being abused to replace American workers. The pause in Texas could exacerbate staffing shortages, but supporters say it will prioritize employment opportunities for Texans.