Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mandated that all H-1B visa applications must stop processing throughout Texas. The suspension will remain in effect until May 31, 2027. The directive applies to all Texas government agencies and public universities.
Reason for the Decision
- Governor Abbott stated that the H-1B visa program is being misused. He said local jobs should be reserved for American workers. He also claimed that evidence exists which shows some employers replace American workers with H-1B visa holders who accept lower wages.
- He stated that taxpayers should receive priority access to government jobs because taxpayers fund those positions. He stated that Texas workers must receive first priority for benefits from the state economy.
Reporting and Possible Exceptions
The order requires affected organizations to provide complete information through their reporting process. These reports must include:
- Newly renewed H-1B visa petitions from the previous year
- The number of currently sponsored H-1B visa holders
- Job titles of visa holders
- Visa expiration dates
Governor Abbott noted that limited exceptions may be allowed. These exceptions must receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.
Impact and Broader Context
- The decision is expected to impact foreign professionals, including many from India. Texas has the second-highest number of H-1B visa holders in the U.S., after California. Texas public universities employ approximately 1,200 H-1B visa holders.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also opposed the use of H-1B visas for roles that do not require specialized skills. He is expected to consider similar measures.
Background of the H-1B Program
The H-1B visa program began in 1990. It was designed to help U.S. employers hire highly skilled foreign professionals in fields where qualified local workers are limited.
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