"Texas governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, ordered all state colleges and universities to freeze their applications for new H-1B visas, The Texas Tribune reported. The pause, announced Tuesday afternoon, will last until May 31, 2027, though some institutions may be able to proceed if granted written permission by the Texas Workforce Commission. "State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities-particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars-are filled by Texans first," Abbott told the Tribune."
"Texas's halt on hiring visa holders comes on the heels of a proposed pause in Florida. Colleges and other industries use the visa program to attract skilled workers. To qualify for one, a worker must be employed in a "specialty occupation" that requires "highly specialized knowledge," according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In an effort to restrict access to the visas, the Trump administration added a $100,000 fee for new applicants in September,"
Governor Greg Abbott ordered all state colleges and universities to freeze applications for new H-1B visas until May 31, 2027, with some institutions able to proceed if granted written permission by the Texas Workforce Commission. Abbott stated that taxpayer-funded employment opportunities should be filled by Texans first. The pause follows a proposed similar action in Florida. Colleges use H-1B visas to recruit faculty, researchers and skilled workers for specialty occupations requiring highly specialized knowledge. The Trump administration added a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applicants in September. Abbott requested records on H-1B employees at public universities and K-12 schools and signaled an upcoming action plan.
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