Texas Slams the Gate on H-1B Hiring in Public Sector

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to halt H-1B visa sponsorship and launched investigations into current visa holders, proposing a hiring freeze until after next year’s legislative session. The move aligns with a broader Trump-era “America First” push and Florida’s similar stance, drawing Republican support but drawing pushback from higher-education groups who say H-1B workers are vital to teaching and research and could hurt Texas universities.