Governor Greg Abbott used a campaign appearance in Austin on Tuesday to unveil a proposal that would bar Texas public‑school districts from employing workers on federal H‑1B visas. Abbott said the legislation would require “exactly zero” public‑school employees in the state to hold those visas and would also prevent schools from entering financial agreements or accepting gifts from foreign sources, mirroring restrictions already applied to Texas universities.
Background on H‑1B use in Texas education
H‑1B visas are intended for specialized positions and have become a common tool for Texas higher‑education institutions and health‑care facilities. While universities employ the majority of H‑1B holders in the education sector, several K‑12 districts rely on the program to address teacher shortages, especially in bilingual education and other hard‑to‑fill roles.
Current numbers and district response
Federal data shows Dallas Independent School District employs the most H‑1B visa holders of any Texas district or public university, with 171 visa holders on its payroll. Officials from Dallas ISD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the governor’s announcement.
Legislative path
For the proposal to take effect, the Texas Legislature, which reconvenes next year, must pass the measure. Abbott indicated he wants the law to apply both to current H‑1B workers and to any future applicants seeking the visas for specialized positions in public schools.
Previous actions and federal context
In January, Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to freeze new H‑1B petitions while reviewing whether taxpayer dollars were being used to pay for those workers. The freeze did not extend to K‑12 schools. The governor’s latest push aligns with statements from the Trump administration, which has criticized employers for using the H‑1B program to replace U.S. workers with lower‑paid labor.
Impact on local schools and families
Supporters of the proposal argue that limiting foreign‑visa employment protects Texas jobs for American citizens and ensures that public‑school funding is directed toward domestic teachers. Critics warn that districts already facing shortages, particularly in bilingual and STEM subjects, could struggle to fill positions without access to the H‑1B pool.
Next steps
Abbott’s proposal will be introduced as legislation in the upcoming session. If passed, the law would require public‑school districts across Texas to cease hiring on H‑1B visas and to avoid any financial ties with foreign entities. Stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers’ unions, and parent groups, are expected to weigh in during the legislative process.
Broader implications
Texas already leads the nation in employing educators on H‑1B visas, according to a 2025 National Education Association analysis. The governor’s plan could set a precedent for other states seeking to limit foreign‑visa employment in public education, raising questions about the balance between state authority and federal immigration policy.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
