Texas Halts New H-1B Hiring at State Bodies to Prioritise US Workers
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public colleges to immediately stop hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas. The directive aims to protect job opportunities for American citizens and legal residents.
Key Takeaways
- Texas state agencies and public universities must stop sponsoring new H-1B visa applications.
- Current H-1B holders are not immediately affected, but renewals are banned upon expiry.
- The order does not apply to private companies in Texas.
- Reaction is split, with unions supporting and universities/industry warning of harm to competitiveness.
The order, issued late Tuesday, applies to all state-funded entities including the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems. It freezes both new applications and pending requests.
“Texas must prioritize the employment of American citizens and legal residents who are already here,” Abbott stated in the executive order. “This action ensures state resources are used to train and hire our own workforce first.”
Impact on Texas’s Tech and Academic Hubs
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Texas has been a top destination for such workers, especially in tech hubs like Austin and Dallas. Public universities also rely on the visas to recruit international researchers and faculty.
Critics of the program argue it can undercut wages, while tech companies and academic institutions say it’s vital for filling skilled positions.
Divided Reactions and Policy Scope
Reaction to the governor’s move has been sharply divided. Labor unions have praised it, while university officials and industry groups warn it could harm Texas’s competitiveness in attracting global talent.
The order does not affect current H-1B holders at state institutions, but it bans renewals once their current visas expire. Importantly, private companies in Texas are not subject to this ban.
