Layoff Hedge reported on new data from the USCIS H-1B employer data hub showing a substantial increase in first-time H-1B approvals. During fiscal year 2026, new H-1Bs in Texas rose 32 percent, from 12,619 to 16,659.
First-time H-1B data exclude renewals and job switches; the figures therefore reflect a net increase in the total number of H-1B visas issued. By comparison, the rest of the nation increased at roughly one-third that rate, 10.6 percent. Texas also eclipsed California’s increase of 20 percent.
This should not be happening in Texas.
Texas clearly stands out as the ground zero of the H-1B problem. For all the economic growth happening here, the beneficiaries of it are overwhelmingly foreign workers and their employers. Economic growth that excludes American citizens is not real economic opportunity.
It is also worth noting that the H-1B surge happened in spite of President Trump’s $100k H-1B fee. The fee was overturned by a Democrat judge shortly after being announced, but the administration did have other avenues to pursue to reinstate it, and the threat of reinstatement should have deterred employers from relying on foreign labor. Instead, they doubled down and hired more H-1Bs, damaging the livelihoods of even more Texan workers. The conclusion is unavoidable: corporations want cheap labor no matter the cost.
Texans for Strong Borders has long called for abolishing the H-1B visa, a wholesale reform of our other visa programs, and an immigration moratorium. These policies are necessary for American citizens to have a chance at success in today’s deteriorating economy and stagnant job market.
Lawmakers now have evidence that half-measures will not discourage H-1B abuse. The problem will only continue to grow the longer it is avoided. The American people overwhelmingly support ending this needless and outdated program. It is time to abolish H-1B.