Texas Governor Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions for state agencies and public universities through May 2027, with exceptions only under written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Abbott is directing a data-gathering effort, seeking detailed H-1B data from agencies and universities—covering new or renewed petitions, current visa holders, job titles, countries of origin, and visa expiration dates—to assess where Texans can fill roles first.

The move is framed as protecting Texas workers and taxpayer-funded opportunities, while lawmakers review guardrails and await potential federal reforms amid ongoing debates about H-1B program abuse.

The Texas action mirrors actions in other GOP-led states, notably Florida, where leaders have discussed pausing or restricting H-1B use in public universities.

National context shows a broader stance among Republicans on H-1B use in higher education, with discussions of pauses or bans possibly extending into early 2027.

The policy is embedded in the national debate over skilled immigration: critics say H-1B depresses American jobs, while supporters argue it brings global talent and innovation.

Tensions are evident between protecting domestic labor markets and ensuring universities and healthcare institutions can compete globally for research talent.

H-1B visas remain a tool for staffing tech and medical institutions, with ongoing discussions about their impact on American workers and the nation's talent strategy.

The pause is designed to give lawmakers time to set statutory guardrails and to await possible federal reforms or actions under the administration, while evaluating program changes.

The directive aims to clarify implementation details, including potential retroactivity, effects on new hires, and how to differentiate roles and required skills.

Democratic lawmakers warn the pause could worsen staffing shortages, increase costs, and hinder public services in Texas.

Higher education advocates warn that limiting H-1B access could harm Texas’ research capabilities, economic competitiveness, and ability to attract global talent essential for fields like AI, biotechnology, engineering, and medicine.