Texas Governor Halts H-1B Visa Use at State Agencies and Universities

Abbott cites concerns over program's 'bad actors' and calls for reforms

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31am

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public universities to stop sponsoring H-1B specialty visas for highly skilled foreign workers until after the state legislature meets next year. Abbott says the freeze is aimed at giving lawmakers time to consider 'guardrails' for the federal H-1B program and reforms pushed by President Trump.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has faced growing criticism from conservatives who argue it is being exploited by companies to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Abbott's order will impact public universities and hospitals that rely on H-1B visas, though private companies remain the biggest users of the program in Texas.

The details

In a letter to agency heads, Abbott cited 'evidence' that 'bad actors' have failed to make 'good-faith efforts' to recruit qualified U.S. workers before seeking to use foreign labor through the H-1B program. The pause comes as the Trump administration pushes sweeping changes to the program, including a $100,000 fee increase that could price out many sponsors.

  • On January 27, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott ordered the halt on H-1B visa sponsorship by Texas state agencies and public universities.
  • The freeze will remain in place until after the Texas legislature meets next year.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican Governor of Texas who issued the order to halt H-1B visa sponsorship by state agencies and public universities.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who has pushed for sweeping reforms to the H-1B visa program, including a $100,000 fee increase for new petitioners.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texas Workforce Commission will require state agencies and public universities to report details on their H-1B visa usage by March, including the number of new and renewal petitions submitted last year, the number of current H-1B visa holders, and documentation showing efforts to hire qualified Texans for those positions.

The takeaway

Governor Abbott's order reflects growing conservative concerns over the H-1B visa program and its potential misuse by companies to replace American workers. The pause will give Texas lawmakers time to consider new 'guardrails' for the program, though the impact will be felt most acutely at the state's public universities and hospitals that rely on H-1B visas to fill specialized roles.