In a significant move that could impact thousands of foreign professionals, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an immediate freeze on new H 1B visa petitions across all Texas state agencies and public universities. The directive will remain in force until May 31, 2027.

Governor Abbott said the decision was taken following reports of misuse of the federal H 1B visa programme. He stressed that taxpayer funded jobs should primarily benefit American workers. According to Abbott, the programme was designed to supplement the US workforce, not replace it.

The order applies to all state agencies led by gubernatorial appointees and to public institutions of higher education across Texas. No new H 1B applications can be filed without written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. Abbott has also instructed all affected institutions to submit a detailed report by March 27, 2026. The report must include the number of H 1B workers currently employed, their job roles, countries of origin, visa expiry dates, and proof that qualified Texans were considered first.

The H 1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised roles that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. In Texas, universities, medical centres, and school districts have long relied on the programme to recruit professors, researchers, doctors, and teachers when local talent is limited.

Abbott linked the move to the broader immigration stance of former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly argued that American jobs should go to American workers. The Texas Workforce Commission will issue further guidelines to enforce the order.