In a significant move to reshape Texas’s educational landscape, Governor Greg Abbott has proposed a ban on public schools sponsoring H-1B visas for foreign workers. This legislative initiative aims to eliminate any foreign influence in the state’s education system, a growing concern for the governor and his administration.
During an announcement made in Austin, Abbott stated his intent to ensure “exactly zero” Texas public school employees hold H-1B visas. The proposed legislation would also restrict public schools from accepting gifts or entering financial agreements with foreign entities, mirroring existing regulations for Texas universities.
While universities and health institutions in Texas typically employ the majority of H-1B visa holders, various school districts have relied on these visas to address critical teacher shortages, particularly in bilingual education roles. For instance, Dallas Independent School District (DISD) employs 171 visa holders, making it the largest employer of H-1B visa holders in the state’s education sector.
Abbott expressed frustration over the federal government’s lack of limitations on H-1B visa allocations, stating, “We’re tired of the federal government not putting limits on who can come in under H-1Bs.” This sentiment aligns with broader national conversations regarding immigration policies and their impact on local job markets.
The governor’s proposal necessitates legislative approval, with the Texas Legislature set to convene next year. Abbott aims for the law to apply retroactively to current H-1B visa holders and prospective applicants, focusing on specialized positions that are often hard to fill.
Previously, in January, Abbott indicated he was assessing whether taxpayer dollars funded H-1B visa holders in public schools and universities. He had ordered state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions, though this freeze did not extend to K-12 institutions.
This latest proposal coincides with a trend seen during the Trump administration, which scrutinized H-1B visa holders, alleging that employers exploited the program to replace American workers with lower-paid labor. It’s important to note that federal officials are responsible for vetting and approving H-1B applications, which adds layers of complexity to Abbott’s proposed changes.
According to a 2025 analysis from the National Education Association, Texas districts employ more educators holding H-1B visas than any other state in the U.S. The implications of Abbott’s ban could have far-reaching effects on teacher staffing and educational quality in the state, particularly in schools that depend on these specialized educators to fill vital roles.
