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

Gov. Greg Abbott orders pause on foreign worker visas until 2027 to review program

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:55pm

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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 Republican governor cited concerns about the visa program being abused and a need to prioritize hiring Texans. The pause will allow the state to review the use of H-1B visas and for Congress to potentially reform the federal program.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has long been a source of debate, with critics arguing it takes jobs from American workers while supporters say it's crucial for attracting global talent. Texas is home to tens of thousands of H-1B visa holders, including at major universities and tech companies. Abbott's order reflects the broader political battle over the program under the Trump administration.

The details

Abbott's order applies to state agencies 'controlled by a gubernatorially appointed head' and public universities in Texas. It allows exceptions if permission is granted from the Texas Workforce Commission. The pause is intended to give state lawmakers time to establish new rules around the use of H-1B visas and for Congress to potentially reform the federal program. Abbott has also ordered agencies and universities to provide data on their current H-1B visa holders.

  • The pause on new H-1B visa petitions in Texas is scheduled to last until May 31, 2027.

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.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The public university in Texas with the most H-1B visa holders, with 228 according to federal data.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation

A multinational information technology company that has the most H-1B visas in Texas with 3,172.

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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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Texas Workforce Commission will review any requests for exceptions to the H-1B visa petition pause, and state lawmakers will work to establish new rules around the program's use.

The takeaway

Abbott's order reflects the ongoing political debate over the H-1B visa program, with the Republican governor citing concerns about abuse of the visas while supporters argue they are crucial for attracting global talent. The pause will allow Texas to re-evaluate the program's use in the state.