Texas halts new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and universities

Texas halts new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and universities, allowing time for legislative review and reforms.

Governor Greg Abbott ordered Texas universities and state agencies on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) to halt new H-1B visa petitions, which are used by employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills, until next year.

The pause in the red state, which is home to thousands of H-1B visa holders, comes amid actions by the Mr. Trump administration aimed at reshaping the visa program. Critics argue that it has become a pipeline for overseas workers willing to work for lower pay and is taking job opportunities from Americans. But supporters say the program is crucial to attract top global talent, fill specialised roles and drive innovation.

“State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first,” Mr. Abbott wrote in his letter.

But proponents of the program argue that it is beneficial to the state, and that any pause could worsen existing staffing shortages and hinder universities’ ability to recruit talent.

“Freezing those pathways makes it harder to staff classrooms, research centers, and hospitals across our state, raising costs, straining public services, and hurting Texans in every corner of our state,” Rep. Ramon Romero Jr., Democrat and chairman of Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said in a written statement.

The pause in Texas, which only applies to state agencies and public universities, is scheduled to last until May 31, 2027. Mr. Abbott’s order does allow exceptions if permission is granted from the Texas Workforce Commission.