Abbott orders freeze of H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and public universities

Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) directed all state agencies and universities to stop reviewing H-1B visa applications immediately on Tuesday.

In a letter to all agency heads, Abbott said his decision is in the interest of American workers and in light of reports of people abusing the visa program.

“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott said. “I have prioritized growing Texas’ economy by making this State a premier location for job seekers and job creators alike, while investing in education and workforce training to ensure Texans are equipped to fill the high-paying, in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Abbott cited “bad actors” who have used the H-1B visa program to replace American workers, often offering lower wages, rather