Governor Greg Abbott slams the brakes on H-1B visa abuse by Texas public universities, putting Texans first in taxpayer-funded jobs and igniting a red-state revolt against globalist hiring practices.
Story Snapshot
- Abbott’s directive freezes new H-1B petitions from state universities and agencies until May 2027, requiring Workforce Commission approval.
- Texas A&M spent $3.25 million on H-1Bs over five years, prompting investigations and data demands from Abbott’s office.
- Institutions must report existing H-1B holders’ details and prove they prioritized qualified Texans before foreign hires.
- Moves align with President Trump’s America First policies, including new federal fees, and follow Florida’s precedent under DeSantis.
Abbott Issues Immediate Freeze
On January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed public universities and state agencies to halt all new H-1B visa petitions until May 31, 2027. The Texas Workforce Commission now controls approvals. Agencies must submit detailed reports on current H-1B workers, including counts, job titles, countries of origin, and recruitment efforts for Texas residents. Abbott emphasized that taxpayer dollars demand priority for qualified Texans in these roles.
Texas A&M Under Scrutiny
The Dallas Express exposed Texas A&M University’s $3.25 million H-1B spending over five years, far exceeding UT Dallas’s $1.1 million. This revelation led to an Attorney General complaint and Abbott’s data request last week. Texas A&M confirmed compliance, noting it already paused sponsorships hit by the Trump administration’s September 2025 $100,000 federal fee on certain petitions. The university system holds 210 H-1Bs as of September 2025.
Other major holders include Dallas ISD with 230, UT Southwestern with 220, and UT MD Anderson alongside UT Austin. The University of Texas System offered no comment amid winter weather closures.
Abbott’s Preview and Rationale
Abbott previewed his action plan on January 26 radio with host Mark Davis, questioning H-1B necessity in public schools and calling for probes into visa overstays. He stated state government must lead by example, filling positions with Texans first. This targets perceived abuse in taxpayer-funded education, distinct from private sector hiring. The directive mandates 2025 filing reports and hiring proof, effective immediately.
Precedents and Broader Pushback
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis set a precedent in 2025, directing public universities to curb H-1B use and prioritize U.S. citizens, with a proposed pause through early 2027. Abbott’s move aligns with Trump-era reforms, reinforcing America First principles amid federal deportation goals and stricter visa enforcement. Conservative media like The Dallas Express catalyzed the scrutiny.
Advocates like Miriam Feldblum of the Presidents’ Alliance warn of competitiveness losses, claiming global talent drives U.S. higher education excellence. Texas A&M’s prior adaptations signal compliance without resistance.
Sources:
Texas Tribune: Greg Abbott halts H-1B visas at Texas universities, agencies
Manifest Law: Texas H1B Hiring Freeze
