Houston, Jan 29: In a major shift in immigration policy at the state level, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive directive ordering all state agencies and public universities to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions — a move that could significantly affect Indian professionals and academics in the United States.Under the order issued on January 27, 2026, Texas public institutions will not be permitted to file new H-1B visa applications for foreign workers unless they receive written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. The freeze is set to remain in effect until May 31, 2027, aligning with the conclusion of the state’s legislative session.
The H-1B visa programme allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in specialised fields such as technology, engineering, medicine and research. It has been a primary pathway for Indian talent entering the U.S. workforce, with Indians accounting for a large share of H-1B holders nationwide.
The Texas directive affects public universities and state agencies — including research centres and academic medical facilities — that traditionally sponsor H-1B visas for professors, researchers and specialised staff. Exceptions are possible but only if organisations secure prior authorisation from the Workforce Commission.
Governor Abbott said the decision was aimed at ensuring taxpayer-funded positions are prioritised for Texas residents. He cited reports suggesting abuse of the federal H-1B system, in which employers have allegedly favoured foreign labour over qualified local applicants. State officials are now seeking detailed reports from public bodies on their past use of H-1B visas, including numbers of petitions, job roles, countries of origin and visa expiration details.
The directive comes amid broader national debates over immigration policy. Last year, the federal government under President Donald Trump unveiled reforms to the H-1B programme, including a proposed $100,000 fee for new applications — a measure that has raised costs and influenced hiring practices across the U.S.
The freeze is expected to impact Indian professionals — especially those eyeing careers in academia, research and specialised sectors — since Indians represent a significant portion of new H-1B approvals. Experts warn that the suspension could lead to staffing shortages at universities and healthcare institutions that depend on foreign talent.
The move may also slow recruitment of highly skilled professionals from India, affecting long-term research projects, classroom instruction and medical services that traditionally attract international faculty and specialists.
Current H-1B holders in Texas are not immediately affected by the freeze, and private sector employers remain outside the directive’s scope. However, universities, hospitals and agencies must now navigate the new approval process to file any future H-1B petitions.