Citing the need to protect “Texas workers and Texas employers,” Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and universities to stop review of H-1B visa applications immediately.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employees,” he said in a letter to agency heads. “Since assuming office, I have prioritized growing Texas’ economy by making this State a premier location for job seekers and job creators alike, while investing in education and workforce training to ensure Texans are equipped to fill the high-paying, in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow. In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program, and amid the federal government’s ongoing review of that program to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions as outlined in this letter.”