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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott halts new H-1B visa petitions at state agencies and universities

Gov. Abbott’s freeze on new H-1B visa petitions aims to address alleged abuses and prioritize Texas workers, impacting numerous public universities and agencies until May 31, 2027.

  • On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions, directing Agency Heads to stop filing petitions within 24 hours.
  • Citing recent reports of abuse and a federal review, Gov. Greg Abbott said the pause will give the Texas Legislature and federal officials time to pursue reforms.
  • By March 27, 2026, state agencies and public institutions of higher education must report to the Texas Workforce Commission with detailed 2025 petition data, while the pause lasts until May 31, 2027 unless exceptions are granted.
  • Hospitals and universities say the freeze could affect staffing, with UT Southwestern , Texas A&M flagship , University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center , and University of Texas at Austin heavily reliant on H-1B holders.
  • Amid federal H-1B changes, including a $100,000 fee by the Trump administration last year, Texas's pause mirrors Florida's moves and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's call for fewer H-1B hires.
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The governor of Texas, Republican Greg Abbott, on Tuesday ordered all state agencies and universities to suspend the processing of new H-1B visa applications and initiate a review of the current use of this program for highly qualified foreign workers.

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The Battalion broke the news in on Monday, January 26, 2026.
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