Texas Gov. Abbott Freezes H-1B Visas, Citing 'Egregious Schemes'

The governor says Texans should be first in line for jobs funded by state taxpayers.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:31am

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions from state agencies and universities, citing reports of abuse in the federal visa program. Abbott said the economy of Texas should benefit Texas workers and employers, not foreign labor. He referenced a proclamation from former President Trump that the H-1B program was intended to supplement the U.S. workforce, not replace it. Abbott said evidence suggests bad actors have exploited the program by failing to recruit qualified U.S. workers before seeking foreign labor, and in some cases even firing American workers and replacing them with H-1B employees at lower wages.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has been a source of controversy, with critics arguing it has been used to displace American workers in favor of cheaper foreign labor. Abbott's move aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to reform the program and prioritize American workers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impacts.

The details

Abbott's freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027, unless approved in writing by the Texas Workforce Commission. The freeze applies to state agencies and public universities, though most H-1B workers in Texas are employed by private companies. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas A&M, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and UT Austin are among the top users of the H-1B program in the state's public sector.

  • The freeze on new H-1B visa petitions from state agencies and universities took effect on January 27, 2026.
  • The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027, unless approved in writing by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who initiated the freeze on H-1B visa petitions from state agencies and universities.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who issued a proclamation stating the H-1B visa program was intended to supplement the U.S. workforce, not replace it.

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What they’re saying

“Texans come first. I'm directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions. Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. Those jobs should go to Texans.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (Twitter)

“Evidence suggests that bad actors have exploited this program by failing to make good-faith efforts to recruit qualified U.S. workers before seeking to use foreign labor.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (Letter)

What’s next

Abbott ordered state agencies and colleges to provide a report detailing the jobs filled by H-1B visa holders and the efforts made to fill those jobs with Texas residents.

The takeaway

This move by Gov. Abbott reflects growing concerns about the H-1B visa program being used to displace American workers, especially in the wake of the pandemic's economic impacts. It aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to reform the program and prioritize hiring U.S. workers first.