H-1B Hiring Freeze in Texas: State Government Bars Recruitment in Agencies and Universities

Texas, USA: Prospective H-1B visa holders aiming to work in the United States face new hurdles as the state of Texas has imposed a freeze on H-1B visa-based hiring in government agencies and public universities. Governor Greg Abbott has directed all state agencies and universities to halt new H-1B visa recruitments, citing misuse of the program.

The freeze will remain in effect until 31 May 2027. While exemptions may be granted in certain cases, prior written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission will be required before hiring foreign workers. Importantly, this restriction applies only to government bodies and public universities and does not impact private sector hiring.

Governor’s Statement:
Governor Abbott emphasized that American jobs should be reserved for U.S. workers. “In light of recent abuses of the H-1B visa program and to ensure that jobs go to Americans first, I am directing all state agencies and universities to immediately halt new H-1B visa applications,” he stated. Agencies and universities have been instructed to submit detailed reports by 27 March 2026, including the number of new and renewed H-1B applications in 2025, current visa holders, their job roles, and countries of origin.

Why H-1B Workers are Targeted:
The H-1B visa allows foreign professionals to work in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), healthcare, finance, and tech, often requiring specialized skills. Annually, 65,000 H-1B visas are issued, with 20,000 reserved for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Typically, these visas are valid for three years, extendable by another three years.

Indian nationals constitute a significant portion of H-1B workers, especially in technology and healthcare sectors. Critics argue that H-1B workers take jobs from Americans while earning lower wages. Texas, after California, hosts the second-largest number of H-1B professionals in the country. Opponents of the program advocate stricter limits to prioritize employment for local workers, which is why H-1B visa holders often face political scrutiny.