Texas freezes H-1B visas for state agencies, higher education amid investigation into federal program

January 28, 2026 - 05:47

In a significant policy shift, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate freeze on all new H-1B visa sponsorship by state agencies and public institutions of higher education. The directive comes alongside the launch of a state investigation into the federal visa program, citing concerns over potential systemic abuse.

The governor's office issued the order, stating the investigation is prompted by "recent reports of abuse" within the H-1B system. The immediate effect is a prohibition on any state entity entering into agreements to sponsor H-1B visa holders. This freeze impacts a wide range of public sector employers, including state departments and public universities, which often utilize the program to recruit specialized talent in fields like research, technology, and engineering.

Governor Abbott has instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to lead the comprehensive review of the program's use within the state. The investigation will scrutinize current sponsorship practices to ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect American workers and guarantee that visa holders are not underpaid compared to domestic employees. The moratorium will remain in effect for the duration of the state's examination, leaving the future of such hiring in the public sector uncertain until the review is complete.