Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions and to conduct a review of how the program is currently being used. The directive comes amid concerns about potential misuse of the federal H-1B visa program.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott wrote in his directive. “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. State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities — particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars — are filled by Texans first.”
The Governor’s office has also made his full letter available online for public review.
