Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) directed all state agencies and universities to stop reviewing H-1B visa applications immediately on Tuesday.
In a letter to all agency heads, Abbott said his decision is in the interest of American workers and in light of reports of people abusing the visa program.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott said. “I have prioritized growing Texas’ economy by making this State a premier location for job seekers and job creators alike, while investing in education and workforce training to ensure Texans are equipped to fill the high-paying, in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Abbott cited “bad actors” who have used the H-1B visa program to replace American workers, often offering lower wages, rather than using it for supplemental workers as intended.
He said the suspension will remain in effect through May 31, 2027, and that visas will be granted only with written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission for exceptions.
Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term as governor of the Lone Star state, ordered state agencies and universities to provide detailed reports to the Texas Workforce Commission on H-1B visa activities in the last year by March 27.
The reports are to include the number of new and renewed petitions, the countries of origin of visa holders, and job classifications.
The H-1B visa program, administered at the federal level, allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. The visas allow workers to stay for three to six years.
Abbott has been a staunch supporter of immigration crackdowns, even going so far as to say he set the standard for what a border state can do with immigration rising.
He has pushed the envelope on what states can do to secure their borders, framing his approach as a way to protect both Texans and Americans beyond a four-year term.
Abbott’s crackdown is similar to that of Project Firewall, which the Department of Labor launched in November.
Project Firewall, similar to Abbott’s directive, sought to investigate visa cases, impose fines, recover wages owed to workers, assess civil money penalties, and “temporarily restrict employers from engaging with the foreign labor visa program in the future.”
Additionally, President Donald Trump proposed sweeping H-1B reforms, including a $100,000 fee for new visas and changes to the lottery system that could favor high-paid applicants.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) ordered a crackdown on H-1B visas in October, following the federal government’s lead.
PERSON IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER CBP-INVOLVED SHOOTING IN ARIZONA
DeSantis shared similar views to Abbott, saying Florida institutions have “abused” the program and chosen foreign workers over Americans.
Abbott framed the freeze as a targeted review to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to sponsor foreign workers ahead of qualified Americans.
