Texas Governor Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to ban Texas public schools from hiring H-1B visa holders. The governor simultaneously decried foreign influence in Texas schools, supporting a ban on foreign funding. 

This move is an expansion upon Abbott’s previous stance on H-1Bs. In January he ordered a freeze on H-1Bs in state agencies and universities. The governor stated that “Exactly zero Texas public school employees should be here on H-1B visas … we need to find Texans or Americans who can educate our students. Period.” 

The governor’s plea is firmly in alignment with the policy positions of Texans for Strong Borders. Our position is that no state funding or hiring should go to H-1B workers. Putting Texans first means not only banning the state from hiring H-1B directly, but also ending all government contracts that go to corporations employing the H-1B visa holders. 

Governor Abbott’s stance is a step in the right direction that empowers America’s workforce. By reducing the opportunities and financial incentives in place, Texas can mitigate the negative effects of H-1B abuse. These problems will not be resolved until Congress abolishes the H-1B visa. Until Congress acts, it is up to states to reign in the negative effects.

Texas does not need to import cheap foreign labor to fill positions such as teachers and principals. Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not in any circumstance be subsidizing the careers of foreign nationals. We have plenty of capable workers to fill teaching positions. 

The H-1B visa program has been manipulated far beyond its intended use. Fraud by employers and visa holders alike became so prevalent that the Federal government announced sweeping investigations. H-1Bs unfortunately took over the STEM field and left countless native-born graduates jobless. In fact, an overwhelming 90% of new hires went to foreign nationals such as H-1Bs or illegal aliens in the beginning of 2026. 

Allowing the corruption and abuse to take over other fields would be catastrophic. H-1Bs have no place in Texas schools. America’s young people are its future, we must look after them if the nation is to endure. Governor Greg Abbott’s stand against the H-1B visa is the right path forward for Texas and every other state.