Texas Lawmakers Call for H-1B Visa Freeze: What Employers and Foreign Professionals Should Know

Recent immigration policy discussions in Texas have drawn national attention, particularly regarding the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals. Following a deadly attack in Austin, more than 50 Texas lawmakers called on Congress to temporarily freeze new H-1B visas while federal authorities conduct a review of current visa holders.

At the same time, Texas has already implemented certain state-level restrictions on the use of H-1B visas by government employers, adding further confusion about the program’s future.

For employers and foreign professionals, it is important to understand what these developments mean—and what they do not mean.

Background: Texas Lawmakers Urge Congress to Freeze H-1B Visas

On March 2, more than 50 members of the Texas House of Representatives sent a letter to congressional leaders requesting an immediate freeze on the issuance of new H-1B visas until a comprehensive audit of current visa holders is completed.

The letter was led by Cole Hefner, Chairman of the Texas House Homeland Security Committee, and addressed to several congressional leaders including John Thune, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries.

Lawmakers argued that an audit would help ensure proper oversight of immigration programs and address potential national security concerns.

However, the letter itself does not change federal immigration law. Only Congress and federal agencies have the authority to modify or suspend visa programs such as H-1B.

Texas Has Already Paused H-1B Hiring by State Agencies

Separately from the lawmakers’ request to Congress, Texas has implemented a temporary pause on new H-1B hiring by certain government employers.

In early 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to pause filing new H-1B visa petitions while the state reviews how the program is used by taxpayer-funded institutions.

Key aspects of the directive include:

• State agencies and public universities are temporarily prohibited from filing new H-1B petitions

• Institutions must report information about existing H-1B employees, including job roles and visa expiration dates

• Current H-1B workers are not affected

• The pause is expected to remain in place until at least 2027 unless lifted earlier

Importantly, this directive only applies to state government entities and public universities.

Private Employers Are Still Allowed to Sponsor H-1B Workers

Despite the state directive and the lawmakers’ request to Congress, the H-1B program itself remains fully active under federal law.

Private employers in Texas—including technology companies, healthcare providers, consulting firms, and private universities—can still sponsor H-1B workers through the regular federal process administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This is because immigration law is primarily governed at the federal level, meaning individual states cannot eliminate or suspend the H-1B visa program nationwide.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Program

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations that require advanced knowledge or technical expertise.

Common industries that rely on H-1B workers include:

• Information technology

• Engineering

• Healthcare and medical research

• Finance

• Higher education

Each year, the federal government issues a limited number of H-1B visas through a lottery-based selection process. Many U.S. companies rely on the program to address shortages of highly skilled workers.

What This Means for Current H-1B Workers

Foreign professionals currently working in the United States on H-1B status should understand that these developments do not affect their legal status.

Existing H-1B visa holders can continue working under the terms of their approved petitions unless federal immigration law changes.

What Employers and Applicants Should Do

Employers and foreign professionals should continue to follow the current immigration process while monitoring potential policy developments.

Recommended steps include:

• Staying informed about announcements from federal immigration agencies

• Preparing H-1B petitions early during filing season

• Consulting with experienced immigration attorneys regarding compliance and strategy

Because immigration policy can change rapidly, proactive legal guidance can help employers and applicants avoid disruptions.

Final Thoughts

Recent developments in Texas reflect ongoing political debate about immigration policy and the role of foreign workers in the U.S. economy. While some state officials have called for additional restrictions, the H-1B visa program remains in effect under federal law.

Speak With an Immigration Attorney

If you have questions about H-1B visas, employment-based immigration, or how recent policy developments may affect your situation, our legal team is here to help.

At Geofrey M. Law, we represent employers, skilled professionals, and international workers across a wide range of immigration matters.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and receive personalized guidance for your case.

Geofrey M. Law, LLC.

—Your 5-State Immigration Law Firm. For Immigration Advice You Can Trust—