Texas Pauses H-1B Visas: What You Need to Know

Texas has decided to hit the pause button on new H-1B visa applications. Governor Greg Abbott wants to look into how these visas are being used. He's asked state agencies and universities to stop filing new petitions until further notice. This freeze is set to last until May 31, 2027, but there are some exceptions. The governor wants a detailed report by March 27, 2026. This report should include how many H-1B visas were applied for and approved. It should also list the countries of origin and job roles of these visa holders. This move is part of a bigger conversation about the H-1B program and its impact on American workers.Florida is also taking a similar step. Their university system wants to pause H-1B visas until January 5, 2027. The H-1B visa is for highly skilled foreign workers in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math. Each year, 65, 000 visas are issued, with an extra 20, 000 for those with advanced degrees. Last year, President Trump added a new fee for H-1B applicants. This fee is a one-time payment of $100, 000. Many states challenged this move, but Texas was not one of them. The Trump administration believes the H-1B program is being misused. They say some employers use it to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. This is a big deal because it affects many industries. It also raises questions about immigration policies and their impact on jobs. The freeze in Texas and Florida shows that states are taking a closer look at how these visas are used. It's a complex issue with no easy answers.