Like a drawbridge lifting over a busy river, Texas has paused the flow of global talent at its public institutions.
Texas Pulls the Brake
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas state agencies and public universities to stop filing new H-1B visa petitions until next year, a move affecting a state that employs thousands of foreign professionals through the program.
The decision aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape the visa system, long criticized by conservatives who argue it undercuts American workers by favoring lower-paid overseas labor. Abbott framed the pause as a matter of principle, writing, “State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first.”
Supporters of the freeze say it buys time. Abbott argues the halt will allow lawmakers to craft “statutory guardrails,” give Congress room to amend federal law, and let ongoing federal reforms take effect. The order runs through May 31, 2027, though exemptions may be granted by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Talent, Tension, and the Stakes
Critics warn the decision could deepen staffing shortages and weaken Texas’ research and health care institutions. Rep. Ramon Romero Jr. countered that “Freezing those pathways makes it harder to staff classrooms, research centers, and hospitals across our state, raising costs, straining public services, and hurting Texans in every corner of our state.” He added that H-1B professionals are “Texans in every way that matters” who “work hard, follow the rules and contribute to our economy.”
Public universities like UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas A&M, UT MD Anderson, UT Austin, and Texas Tech collectively sponsor hundreds of H-1B workers, particularly in medicine, research, and technology. Nationally, at least 60% of approved H-1B visas since 2012 have gone to computer-related jobs. While Texas’ pause applies only to public entities, Abbott has ordered a detailed review of visa use, including job titles, origins, and proof that employers gave “qualified Texans candidates with reasonable opportunity to apply.”
Texas is not alone. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has raised similar concerns, and President Donald Trump has imposed steep new fees on the program, now under legal challenge.
For now, the gate stands half-shut, caught between protectionism’s lock and innovation’s key.
Summary
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered public universities and state agencies to pause new H-1B visa petitions until 2027, citing concerns about protecting jobs for Texans and potential program abuse. Critics warn the move could worsen staffing shortages and harm research, health care, and innovation, while supporters see it as time to reform and reassess visa use.
