Austin, Texas, January 27, 2026
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas public universities and schools to disclose detailed hiring information for employees on H-1B visas. This move aims to evaluate the use of taxpayer funds for employing foreign workers in roles potentially suitable for Texas residents. The governor’s directive applies to all public educational institutions in Texas and is part of a broader initiative to assess the impact of H-1B visa usage in the state’s workforce. Abbott has expressed concerns about the necessity of such hires, emphasizing the need for transparency.
Governor Greg Abbott Orders Texas Universities and Schools to Disclose H-1B Visa Hiring Information
Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has mandated that Texas public universities and schools provide detailed information about their employees working under H-1B visas. This directive aims to assess whether taxpayer funds are being used to employ foreign workers in positions that could potentially be filled by Texas residents.
Governor’s Directive
On January 26, 2026, Governor Abbott instructed the Texas A&M University System to submit a comprehensive list of all employees on H-1B visas, including their job roles and countries of origin, by the end of the business day. This request is part of a broader initiative to gather similar data from all public educational institutions in the state. The governor anticipates announcing an “action plan” based on the collected information later this week.
Background on H-1B Visa Usage in Texas
The H-1B visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers for specialized positions that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. In Texas, public universities, academic medical centers, and certain school districts have utilized this program to recruit professors, researchers, physicians, and teachers. For instance, the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) has sponsored 230 H-1B visa holders, making it one of the largest sponsors among public school districts in the United States. Other significant employers include the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which have 228 and 171 H-1B visa holders, respectively.
Governor’s Concerns and Potential Implications
Governor Abbott has expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of employing H-1B visa holders in Texas public schools, suggesting that such positions should be filled by qualified Texans. He also raised concerns about the possibility of some visa holders overstaying their authorized periods, linking this issue to broader federal enforcement efforts. The governor’s actions align with a national debate over the integrity of the H-1B visa program and its impact on domestic employment opportunities.
Potential Impact on Texas Education Institutions
Higher education leaders and immigration advocates have cautioned that restricting the ability to hire international faculty and researchers could have adverse effects on Texas’s innovation pipeline and economic competitiveness. Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, emphasized that the strength of U.S. higher education has been bolstered by the ability to attract top global talent, and recent federal policies already pose challenges to universities’ global standing.
Next Steps
As the governor’s office reviews the submitted data, stakeholders await the forthcoming “action plan” to understand the future of H-1B visa employment within Texas public educational institutions. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the H-1B visa program?
The H-1B visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers for specialized positions that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Why is Governor Abbott requesting this information?
Governor Abbott aims to assess whether taxpayer funds are being used to employ foreign workers in positions that could potentially be filled by Texas residents.
Which institutions are affected by this directive?
All Texas public universities and schools are required to provide detailed information about their employees working under H-1B visas.
What are the potential implications for Texas educational institutions?
Restricting the ability to hire international faculty and researchers could have adverse effects on Texas’s innovation pipeline and economic competitiveness.
What are the next steps in this process?
The governor’s office is reviewing the submitted data and plans to announce an “action plan” based on the collected information later this week.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa Directive
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Directive Issued | Governor Abbott has mandated Texas public universities and schools to disclose information about employees on H-1B visas. |
| Purpose | To assess the use of taxpayer funds in employing foreign workers for positions that could be filled by Texas residents. |
| Scope | All Texas public educational institutions are required to provide detailed data on H-1B visa holders. |
| Governor’s Concerns | Potential overuse of H-1B visas in public schools and the possibility of visa holders overstaying their authorized periods. |
| Potential Impact | Restricting international hires could affect Texas’s innovation pipeline and economic competitiveness. |
| Next Steps | The governor’s office is reviewing the data and plans to announce an “action plan” based on the findings. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Faces Economic Shock from New H-1B Visa Fee
Trump Shifts Support for H-1B Visas Amid Workforce Needs
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