Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced an immediate freeze on all new H-1B visa petitions filed by state agencies and public universities. The freeze, effective until May 31, 2027, also covers visa renewals. Abbott pointed to “recent reports of abuse” of the H-1B program, which is designed to bring skilled foreign workers to the US, claiming it has been misused to replace qualified American workers with cheaper labor. Abbott ordered state institutions to hire foreign workers only when a “unique skill set” cannot be found locally. He also questioned the use of H-1B visas in public K-12 education and state-funded jobs that often employ teachers, instructors, and researchers from India. Texas will conduct detailed audits and require agencies to disclose information on H-1B employees by March 2026, including country of origin, job titles, and salaries. The freeze lines up with changes under the Trump-led America First immigration policy and follows a similar ban by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Abbott’s order comes amid pressure from conservative activists and right-wing media, including Indian-American Republicans pushing for stricter rules on H-1B visas. This crackdown follows Abbott’s two trade missions to India in 2018 and 2024, where he promoted Texas as a top destination for Indian investment. The policy will mainly affect public universities and hospitals that heavily depend on foreign researchers and specialists, many from India. Critics warn it could worsen shortages in healthcare, research, and education. Supporters argue it protects Texan jobs and wages. Private companies remain unaffected and continue to hire H-1B workers. Abbott’s directive highlights a growing tension between supporting Indian investment and responding to domestic political pressures.