Abbott orders H-1B visa freeze in Texas, launches investigation

(The Center Square) – Investigating the H-1B visa worker processes is the latest action Gov. Greg Abbott is taking to address taxpayer-funded programs benefitting noncitizens in Texas.

On Tuesday, the governor directed all state agencies and publicly funded higher education institutions to freeze H-1B visa petitions and launch a review of current program use.

“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott said. “In light of recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program, and amid the federal government’s ongoing review of that program to ensure American jobs are going to American workers, I am directing all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa petitions. State government must lead by example and ensure ...