Texas public schools may soon be unable to sponsor H-1B visas for foreign workers, following a proposal made by Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday. This initiative aims to curb foreign influence within the state’s educational institutions.
Abbott expressed his intent to introduce legislation that would ensure no public school employees in Texas hold H-1B visas. He also plans to prohibit public schools from accepting gifts or entering into financial agreements with foreign entities, mirroring existing regulations for Texas universities.
While higher education institutions and related health facilities typically employ the majority of H-1B visa holders in Texas, various school districts utilize these visas to address significant shortages in teaching positions, particularly in bilingual education.
“We’re tired of the federal government not putting limits on who can come in under H-1Bs,” Abbott stated during a campaign event in Austin. “Because of the federal government’s failure to control H-1B visas, Texas is having to put our foot down, and that means making some tough decisions.”
Data indicates that Dallas Independent School District (DISD) employs more H-1B visa holders than any other school district or public university in Texas, with a total of 171 visa holders.
In response to the governor’s proposal, DISD officials clarified that the district hires international educators solely to fill critical shortages recognized by the Texas Education Agency, ensuring that all hires are certified by the state.
“If the governor’s new expectation is to eliminate these teachers, then we’re going to need more Texans in the teaching pipeline,” they stated.
For the governor’s proposed policy changes to take effect, the Legislature, which reconvenes next year, must approve the legislation. Abbott aims for a law that would impact both current H-1B visa holders and those applying for the specialized work permits.
Earlier this year, Abbott indicated he was evaluating whether taxpayer funds were being used to support H-1B visa holders at public schools and universities. He subsequently directed state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions, although this order did not extend to K-12 schools.
This proposal coincides with broader criticisms from former President Donald Trump’s administration, which accused employers of misusing the H-1B program to replace American workers with lower-paid, less-skilled foreign labor. The applications for H-1B visas undergo federal vetting and approval.
According to a 2025 analysis by the National Education Association, Texas school districts employ more educators holding H-1B visas than any other state in the nation.
