Summary of Key Points
Texas Governor Abbott has recently introduced a tough measure: public schools in the state are prohibited from hiring any foreign faculty members holding H-1B visas (including those already employed), citing the need to “curb the influence of foreign forces” and “give priority to local employment.” This move represents an expansion on his actions from January this year, when he restricted H-1B applications for government agencies and public colleges. The ban still requires approval by the state legislature; if passed, Texas will become the first state to prohibit the use of H-1B visas in public schools. Other states, such as Florida and Iowa, are also tightening their H-1B policies. Experts warn that this could result in a loss of top-tier research talent, affecting the state’s competitiveness in education and science.
Detailed Analysis
1. Texas’ Strict Ban: Public Schools with “Zero Tolerance” for H-1B Visa Holders
The H-1B visa is a work visa issued by the U.S. to foreign professionals in fields such as engineering, teaching, and research. This ban applies not only to new applicants but also to current H-1B holders already working in public schools, with the governor making it clear that there will be “no exceptions.”
Why is this significant? According to 2025 data, Texas has the largest number of H-1B visa holders among public school educators in the country. If the ban is approved, these teachers will either have to find new jobs (e.g., in private schools or other states) or leave the U.S., potentially leaving schools without qualified local replacements, especially for less common subjects or high-demand research positions.
2. A Gradual Expansion of Restrictions from Government to Schools
In January, Abbott began restricting H-1B applications for state government agencies and public colleges, with the ban lasting until 2027, citing concerns that H-1B visas are being misused at the expense of local workers.
The new ban now extends to public elementary and secondary schools, with even stricter requirements: not only are new applicants denied, but existing employees cannot continue their roles. This represents a shift from a temporary suspension to a complete elimination of H-1B visa holders in these educational institutions.
3. Other States Following Texas’ Lead
Several Republican-controlled states in the U.S. are also tightening H-1B policies:
- Florida: On March 2, its public university system voted to suspend new H-1B hiring until 2027. Ten of Florida’s 12 research universities are ranked as R1/R2 institutions, and there are currently more than 1,000 H-1B visa holders working there.
- Iowa: The state’s House of Representatives passed a bill to restrict new H-1B hires in public universities, community colleges, and some private institutions; the bill is currently under debate in the Senate and could become law if approved.
These states are generally following a similar approach: starting with temporary suspensions before considering permanent bans.
4. Underlying Reasons: Blaming the Federal Government and Prioritizing Locals
The governors’ justifications sound legitimate:
- Blaming the Federal Government: Abbott claims that the federal government has failed to manage the H-1B program effectively, leading to the state taking more stringent measures.
- Prioritizing Locals: They argue that taxpayer money should be used to support local residents and Americans.
However, there are hidden motivations: The Trump administration increased the H-1B visa fee in September 2025 by $100,000, making it difficult for many small state universities to afford foreign hires. Additionally, these states are predominantly Republican, and restricting immigration is part of their political agenda.
5. Experts’ Concerns: Negative Consequences for Education and Research
Researchers at the Progressive Institute highlight potential issues:
- Lack of Top Talent: Many experts in specialized fields (e.g., chemistry, advanced research) come from abroad; without H-1B visas, schools may struggle to fill these positions.
- Decline in Research Competitiveness: These states will lose out on cutting-edge research findings, which could benefit other states (e.g., California and New York) that do not have such restrictions.
- Impact on Education Quality: Without qualified foreign teachers, students in public schools may miss out on diverse educational opportunities.
In summary, while these state policies may seem intended to protect local jobs, they could ultimately harm the state’s education and research capabilities. Top talent is global in nature; if one state excludes them, others are likely to attract them.