Texas freezes H‑1B petitions for state agencies and universities
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Austin, Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities on Tuesday to freeze new and renewal H‑1B visa petitions until May 31, 2027, unless the Texas Workforce Commission grants exceptions. Agencies controlled by gubernatorial appointees must report H‑1B counts, filings, job classifications, visa expirations and recruitment efforts by March 27. The directive exempts agencies led by elected officials. Abbott said the pause will allow lawmakers to consider statutory guardrails for policy debate and for federal reforms. The action follows federal changes and comments by Abbott about H‑1B use in schools. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- September: Federal administration imposed a new fee and tighter measures on H‑1B filings.
- Early January: Gov. Abbott publicly signaled scrutiny of H‑1B hiring, including comments on a radio program.
- Jan. 28: Abbott ordered most gubernatorial-controlled state agencies and public universities to freeze new and renewal H‑1B petitions.
- March 27: Agencies must submit detailed H‑1B reports to the Texas Workforce Commission.
- May 31, 2027: Freeze scheduled to remain in effect until after the 90th Texas Legislature concludes.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 83%, Right 17%
Texan jobseekers and state budget overseers may benefit from prioritized hiring of local candidates and the administration’s aim to reduce perceived wage pressure from foreign hires.
Current H‑1B visa holders, state agencies dependent on specialized talent, and universities conducting research or medical programs face hiring disruptions, administrative burdens and potential program slowdowns.
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