San Antonio, Texas, January 27, 2026
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is seeking detailed information from public schools and universities regarding employees on H-1B visas. This initiative aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are not being misallocated to foreign workers in specialized positions. The directive calls for transparency in hiring practices amidst increasing scrutiny over the employment of foreign specialists versus local talent. Stakeholders are pushing for clarity in how job opportunities are distributed in public education and the broader implications for local employment.
Governor Greg Abbott Requests H-1B Visa Data from State Schools and Universities
Overview
San Antonio, Texas, is at the forefront of a significant policy initiative directed by Governor Greg Abbott, who has called for detailed information from Texas public schools and universities regarding their employees working under H-1B visas. This action is aimed at scrutinizing the use of taxpayer funds in sponsoring foreign workers for specialized roles within these public institutions. The governor’s request highlights an increasing focus on transparency and local job prioritization amid a dynamic economic environment.
Governor’s Directive
On January 26, 2026, the Texas A&M University System received a directive from the governor’s office, requiring the submission of a comprehensive list of all employees with H-1B visas, including their countries of origin and job titles. This inquiry is part of a broader assessment intended to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being unduly spent on foreign workers in public K-12 schools and universities.
Background on H-1B Visas in Texas
The H-1B visa program allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for specialty occupations. Texas institutions, particularly in higher education and healthcare, have been some of the largest sponsors. Notably, the Dallas Independent School District sponsored 232 H-1B visa workers in the fiscal year of 2022, exemplifying the reliance on this visa category within public education.
Concerns and Implications
The request from Governor Abbott comes amid findings that Texas A&M University has spent over $3.25 million on H-1B visa fees and processing costs between January 2020 and November 2025. This expenditure raises important questions about institutional hiring practices, particularly regarding the balance between employing foreign specialists and providing opportunities for local talent. Many stakeholders are now advocating for increased transparency in these hiring processes, reflecting a desire among Texans to prioritize local employment.
Next Steps
In the wake of this data collection, Governor Abbott’s office plans to analyze the information and develop an action plan, expected to be announced soon. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring appropriate use of taxpayer funding and enhancing job accessibility for qualified Texans in public sectors.
Related Developments
This state-level action is resonating within a broader national context. For example, public universities in Florida are contemplating a one-year freeze on H-1B visa hiring due to similar concerns about the impact of such visas on local employment. Such measures reflect a growing sentiment across the country prioritizing domestic workforce utilization.
Conclusion
The initiative led by Governor Abbott to request information on H-1B visa employees at public institutions is a proactive approach to ensure that taxpayer resources are utilized effectively. As the forthcoming action plan will elaborate on potential policy changes surrounding employment of foreign workers, residents are encouraged to remain engaged in discussions about local job opportunities and economic strategies that support community growth.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Governor Abbott’s request for H-1B visa data?
Governor Abbott’s office is examining whether taxpayer dollars are being used to sponsor foreign workers in specialty occupations at Texas public K-12 schools and universities.
Which institutions are affected by this directive?
The directive applies to all public schools and universities in Texas, including the Texas A&M University System and Dallas Independent School District.
What concerns have been raised regarding H-1B visa usage in Texas?
Concerns include the substantial spending on H-1B visas by institutions like Texas A&M University, raising questions about prioritizing foreign workers over local talent and the transparency of hiring practices.
What are the next steps following the governor’s request?
Governor Abbott’s office is reviewing the collected data and plans to announce an “action plan” later this week based on the findings.
How does this action relate to national discussions on H-1B visas?
This action aligns with broader national discussions regarding the use of H-1B visas in public institutions, such as Florida’s consideration of a one-year freeze on H-1B visa hiring.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Directive | Governor Abbott has directed Texas public schools and universities to provide detailed information about employees working under H-1B visas. |
| Background on H-1B Visas in Texas | H-1B visas allow employers to sponsor foreign workers in specialty occupations. Texas institutions like Dallas ISD have been significant sponsors. |
| Concerns and Implications | Substantial spending on H-1B visas by Texas A&M University has raised questions about prioritizing foreign workers over local talent and transparency in hiring practices. |
| Next Steps | Governor Abbott’s office is reviewing the data and plans to announce an “action plan” later this week based on the findings. |
| Related Developments | Florida’s public universities are considering a one-year freeze on H-1B visa hiring, following similar concerns about visa usage and its impact on local employment. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
