Texas Halts New H-1B Visa Petitions at State Agencies Until 2027

Republican narrative

Abbott's freeze on H-1B visas protects Texas workers from a broken system that displaces Americans with cheaper foreign labor. The program has strayed from its purpose of filling specialized roles and instead allows employers to fire qualified Texans and replace them with lower-paid visa holders. This pause gives lawmakers time to establish proper safeguards while ensuring taxpayer-funded positions go to Texans first.