Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive directive ordering an immediate freeze on the filing of new H 1B visa petitions by all Texas state agencies and public universities a move expected to have wide-ranging political economic and academic implications.
The directive, published on the governor’s official website prohibits state agencies and public institutions of higher education from submitting new H1B petitions without prior written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027 coinciding with the end of the Texas Legislature’s 90th Regular Session.
In a letter to agency heads, Abbott said Texas has invested billions in education and workforce development and argued that the H 1B program has increasingly been misused to bypass qualified American workers. He stressed that taxpayer funded jobs should prioritize Texans with state government leading by example.
Under the order, affected agencies and universities must submit detailed reports to the TWC by March 27, 2026 outlining their use of H1B visas, employee details, and evidence that qualified Texas residents were considered for each position.
Analysts note the directive comes amid renewed national debate over immigration policy. While private-sector employers are not affected, public universities and research institutions may face challenges in faculty recruitment and research staffing.
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