Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Applications at Public Universities and State Agencies
Greg Abbott has ordered Texas public universities and state agencies to stop submitting new H-1B visa applications, a move that could affect specialized workers and raise concerns about the state’s ability to recruit talent in research, education, and health care.
The policy temporarily restricts taxpayer-funded institutions from initiating new visa petitions without approval from the Texas Workforce Commission while the state conducts a broader review. The directive is expected to remain in place through the end of the next legislative session in May 2027.
What the H-1B Visa Program Does
H-1B visas allow U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers for specialized roles, often in fields such as medicine, engineering, and scientific research. The visa program, created under the Immigration Act of 1990, typically requires applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
The federal government limits the number of H-1B visas issued annually to 65,000, with an additional 20,000 available for workers holding advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Visa holders can work in the United States for up to three years, with the possibility of extending their stay.
Private employers usually obtain visas through a competitive lottery process, while universities and certain public institutions are not subject to the same annual caps.
Who Is Affected by the Texas Policy
The order applies specifically to Texas public universities and state agencies, not private companies. Researchers, professors, physicians, engineers, and other highly trained professionals may be affected by the pause on new applications.
Workers who already hold H-1B visas or have applications pending are not immediately impacted. However, when their visas expire, they may need to seek employment elsewhere if new applications remain restricted.
Immigration experts say the policy could make it more difficult for Texas institutions to recruit and retain specialized talent, as affected workers may choose to work in other states or countries.
Scale of H-1B Employment in Texas
More than 40,000 people in Texas are authorized to work under H-1B visas, according to federal data. Although these workers represent a small portion of the state’s nearly 16 million-person workforce, they often fill highly technical roles that can be difficult to staff domestically.
Most H-1B employees work for major corporations, particularly in technology and consulting. At public universities and state institutions, visa holders typically account for less than 1% of employees.
Medical schools and hospital systems connected to public universities may also be affected, since they employ specialized professionals who rely on the visa program.
Possible Economic and Academic Impact
Experts warn that restricting visa applications could slow Texas’ progress in higher education and research. Universities may struggle to recruit top scholars and specialists if hiring restrictions remain in place, potentially affecting the state’s competitiveness in innovation and academic leadership.
Employers have also expressed concern that skilled workers could leave Texas for opportunities in other states once their current visas expire.
Legal and Policy Questions
Immigration policy, including the H-1B program, is governed by federal law. The Texas order does not change federal visa rules but limits state-funded institutions from submitting applications. Legal experts say it remains unclear how much authority the state has to enforce the directive or whether it could face challenges.
Fraud Concerns and Oversight
While some critics have raised concerns about possible misuse of the H-1B program, immigration attorneys say there is little evidence of widespread fraud. The visa system includes strict wage and hiring requirements designed to prevent employers from using the program for low-cost labor.
Concerns Over Hiring Practices and Labor Impact
Some critics of the H-1B visa system argue that certain for-profit health care companies and contractors have used the program in ways that prioritize cost savings over quality outcomes. These critics allege that intermediaries, sometimes called “body-shopping” firms, recruit H-1B workers and place them with employers for a fee paid kick backs to hire workers.
Labor advocates and policy critics say such practices can encourage hiring lower-cost workers rather than investing in highly qualified talent or domestic workforce development. They argue this approach may affect job opportunities for workers in the United States and could have broader economic consequences.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between workforce protection, economic competitiveness, and access to specialized talent in key industries.
