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

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state universities and agencies across Texas on Tuesday to immediately halt processing new H-1B visa petitions until next year, implementing a significant policy shift affecting foreign workers in the state. The directive impacts numerous public institutions including the University of Texas system, Texas A&M University, and other state agencies that regularly sponsor H-1B visas for international employees. The H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been particularly vital for Texas's higher education institutions and tech sectors that rely on international talent to fill specialized roles in science, engineering, and research. The governor's action represents a notable departure from previous policies and comes amid ongoing national debates about immigration reform and workforce development priorities.