In a major setback for high-skilled Indian professionals, the state of Texas has announced a freeze on H-1B visa applications across state agencies and public universities, aligning with US President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The decision was confirmed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who said the visa programme has increasingly been used to fill jobs that could have gone to Americans.
In an official letter, Abbott argued that the H-1B system has drifted from its original aim of attracting highly specialised global talent.
The move comes months after Trump announced a $100,000 hike in H-1B visa fees, further tightening pathways for foreign workers.
The Texas order will remain in effect until May 31, 2027, directly affecting public institutions such as state universities, hospitals and government agencies.
The decision is expected to hit Indians the hardest. According to the Pew Research Centre, around 570,000 Indians live in Texas, making them one of the largest immigrant communities in the state.
