Austin, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday his administration is seeking detailed information on the use of H-1B visa holders at Texas public universities and K–12 schools, raising new questions about immigration policy and the use of taxpayer-funded positions.
According to internal emails obtained by Quorum Report, the governor’s office asked leaders of the Texas A&M University System to provide data on employees working under H-1B visas, including job roles and countries of origin. Abbott confirmed during a radio interview that similar inquiries have gone out statewide, with an “action plan” expected later this week.
“I don’t see any reason why we need any H-1B visa employees in our public schools,” Abbott said, while adding that the state would review whether certain positions require unique skill sets. He also suggested some visa holders may have overstayed their authorization, linking the review to broader federal immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump.
The request follows reporting by The Dallas Express, which filed public records requests related to Texas A&M’s use of H-1B visas. H-1B visas allow employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles, and public universities frequently use them to employ professors, researchers, and medical professionals. Federal data show major Texas employers include Dallas ISD and academic medical centers such as UT Southwestern and MD Anderson.
Higher education advocates warn that limiting access to international talent could harm Texas’ economy and research capacity, noting that universities already face rising costs and federal barriers to hiring foreign experts.
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