Washington/Dallas: The state of Texas has announced a freeze on all new H-1B visa hiring, marking a major move that could impact foreign professionals seeking employment in the state. Governor Greg Abbott has issued directives to state agencies and public universities to immediately suspend all new H-1B applications. The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027.
In a letter to agency heads, Abbott cited concerns over the alleged misuse of the federal H-1B program and emphasized that American jobs should be reserved for US workers. Agencies and universities have also been instructed to submit detailed reports by March 27, 2026, outlining the number of new and renewed H-1B applications filed in 2025, current visa holders, their employment details, and countries of origin.
Abbott posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. These jobs should go to Texans.” He had previously requested a comprehensive list of H-1B employees working in state universities and government schools.
Background on the H-1B Program
The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ highly skilled foreign professionals in specialized roles, usually for three to six years. Indians make up the majority of H-1B visa holders—over 70 percent—primarily in the tech and defense sectors. Critics aligned with former President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda have argued that H-1B hiring disadvantages American workers, as foreign professionals often accept lower salaries, making them the preferred choice for employers.
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