Texas Gov. Orders Halt to H-1B Visa Requests at State Agencies

Directive sparks debate over jobs, costs and worker shortages

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies, including public universities, to stop petitioning for H-1B visas for foreign-born workers. The H-1B visa program allows specialized workers from abroad to temporarily work in the U.S. The governor's directive has re-ignited debate over whether Texas is welcoming to those from abroad, with thousands of H-1B visa holders in the state.

Why it matters

The directive is seen by some as an effort to prioritize jobs for Texans, but critics argue it could lead to worker shortages, especially in rural areas and at schools and universities that have relied on H-1B visa holders.

The details

The governor's order requires a review of all H-1B visa programs in the state for possible misuse. U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services data shows at least 2,400 H-1B visas were approved in 2025 for educational services employees of publicly funded institutions in Texas. Dallas Independent School District is the top public school employer of H-1B visa recipients in the state, with 230 such workers.

  • The governor's directive was issued on January 28, 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The governor of Texas who issued the directive to state agencies to halt H-1B visa requests.

Brian Harrison

A Texas state representative who pushed for the directive and accused state agencies of spending over $10 million on H-1B visa programs.

Haim Vasquez

A North Texas immigration attorney who said the fallout from the directive could be long-lasting, potentially leading to worker shortages at schools and universities.

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What they’re saying

“It's absolutely outrageous that the Texas government has been one of the top 10 users or abusers of the H-1B program.”

— Brian Harrison, Texas State Representative (cbsnews.com)

“We've also seen that in many rural areas, not only for hospitals, but for schools, because they have had difficulty obtaining qualified employees in those areas. Those are the ones that will get the most affected if these applications get freezed long term.”

— Haim Vasquez, North Texas Immigration Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The governor's directive requires a review of all H-1B visa programs in the state for possible misuse.

The takeaway

The Texas governor's order to halt H-1B visa requests at state agencies has reignited the debate over the role of foreign workers in the state's economy. While proponents argue it will prioritize jobs for Texans, critics warn it could lead to worker shortages, especially in critical sectors like education and healthcare.