Texas Could Ban H-1B Visas for Public Schools Under Greg Abbott Plan

Texas could ban public schools from employing H-1B visa holders under a new plan from Governor Greg Abbott.

Key points

• It stipulated that state agencies freeze new H-1B petitions unless they receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.
• The Texas Legislature would need to pass legislation implementing the proposal before Abbott could sign it into law.
• "Exactly zero Texas public school employees should be here on H-1B visas, " he remarked.
• Under the Trump administration, the program has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers.

Texas could ban public schools from employing H-1B visa holders under a new plan from Governor Greg Abbott. Speaking at a news conference in Austin, Abbott remarked that he would be "calling for legislation that will put a total ban on H-1B workers in public schools." "Exactly zero Texas public school employees should be here on H-1B visas, " he stated. Abbott remarked the proposed ban is part of an effort to stamp out "indoctrination in the classroom." He stated that "standards" of what is being taught to children are being "compromised by foreign influence." "Bottom line is this: foreign influence of any kind has no place in our classrooms, " he continued. What Are H-1B Visas, and Why Are They Controversial? Notably, the H-1B visa program allows U.S. Employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that typically require at least a bachelor's degree, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering and healthcare. Under the Trump administration, the program has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers. This person argue that employers can employ H-1B visas to undercut American workers and wages. And there has been broader scrutiny of employment-based immigration, with federal authorities focusing on alleged visa fraud, labor violations and the protection of both U.S. And foreign workers. Nevertheless, demand for H-1B visas remains robust. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed on July 17, 2026, that it had received enough petitions to reach the fiscal year 2027 cap, including 65, 000 regular H-1B visas and 20, 000 places under the U.S. Advanced degree exemption. When they cannot find enough qualified workers, supporters of the program argue that it helps employers fill jobs, particularly in high-skill fields. How The Move Could Impact Texas Schools The proposal could affect hundreds of teachers at present working in Texas public schools under H-1B visas, depending on how any legislation is implemented. Texas public schools have, up until now, been the largest sponsor of H-1B visas in the nation over recent years. According to federal data, Dallas Independent School District employs 171 H-1B visa holders, more than any public school district or public university in Texas. School districts have often relied on H-1B visas to recruit bilingual educators, STEM teachers and instructors for hard-to-fill positions, particularly in rural and high-needs districts. Supporters of the H-1B program argue it helps address teacher shortages and allows districts to fill positions that can remain vacant for months despite domestic recruitment efforts. It comes after a January order from Abbott. It stipulated that state agencies freeze new H-1B petitions unless they receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission. Abbott remarked the move was intended to ensure taxpayer-funded jobs are filled by Texans first. Speaking at Tuesday's press conference, Abbott additionally discussed proposed limits on student screen time and broader worries regarding influences on education. He remarked: "After teaching our students how to read, we additionally want to commence focusing on what they read, and what they are learning, how they are influenced in school. Those minds should be shaped by policies approved by state lawmakers, " he continued. What Happens Next The Texas Legislature would need to pass legislation implementing the proposal before Abbott could sign it into law. The legislature is next scheduled to convene in 2027. If approved, Texas could become the first state in the nation to ban school districts from hiring teachers under the federal program. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Cristina Diciu.

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Speaking at a news conference in Austin, Abbott remarked that he would be "calling for legislation that will put a total ban on H-1B workers in public schools."

Abbott remarked the proposed ban is part of an effort to stamp out "indoctrination in the classroom." He stated that "standards" of what is being taught to children are being "compromised by foreign influence."

"Bottom line is this: foreign influence of any kind has no place in our classrooms, " he continued. What Are H-1B Visas, and Why Are They Controversial?

Notably, the H-1B visa program allows U.S. Employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that typically require at least a bachelor's degree, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering and healthcare.

Under the Trump administration, the program has faced criticism from some Republican lawmakers. This person argue that employers can employ H-1B visas to undercut American workers and wages.

And there has been broader scrutiny of employment-based immigration, with federal authorities focusing on alleged visa fraud, labor violations and the protection of both U.S. And foreign workers.

Nevertheless, demand for H-1B visas remains robust. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed on July 17, 2026, that it had received enough petitions to reach the fiscal year 2027 cap, including 65, 000 regular H-1B visas and 20, 000 places under the U.S. Advanced degree exemption.

When they cannot find enough qualified workers, supporters of the program argue that it helps employers fill jobs, particularly in high-skill fields. How The Move Could Impact Texas Schools.

Notably, the proposal could affect hundreds of teachers at present working in Texas public schools under H-1B visas, depending on how any legislation is implemented.

Texas public schools have, up until now, been the largest sponsor of H-1B visas in the nation over recent years. According to federal data, Dallas Independent School District employs 171 H-1B visa holders, more than any public school district or public university in Texas.

School districts have often relied on H-1B visas to recruit bilingual educators, STEM teachers and instructors for hard-to-fill positions, particularly in rural and high-needs districts.

Supporters of the H-1B program argue it helps address teacher shortages and allows districts to fill positions that can remain vacant for months despite domestic recruitment efforts.

It comes after a January order from Abbott. It stipulated that state agencies freeze new H-1B petitions unless they receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Abbott remarked the move was intended to ensure taxpayer-funded jobs are filled by Texans first.

Speaking at Tuesday's press conference, Abbott additionally discussed proposed limits on student screen time and broader worries regarding influences on education.

He remarked: "After teaching our students how to read, we additionally want to commence focusing on what they read, and what they are learning, how they are influenced in school. Those minds should be shaped by policies approved by state lawmakers, " he continued.

Notably, the Texas Legislature would need to pass legislation implementing the proposal before Abbott could sign it into law. The legislature is next scheduled to convene in 2027.

If approved, Texas could become the first state in the nation to ban school districts from hiring teachers under the federal program. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Cristina Diciu.

In short, texas Could Ban H-1B Visas for Public Schools Under Greg Abbott Plan is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.