Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a pause on state agencies using H-1B visas to bring in foreign workers, launching a review of how the program is being used in Texas. The announcement comes after former President Donald Trump raised the H-1B visa fee from under $5,000 to $100,000, prompting closer sc rutiny at the state level. In a letter sent to agencies, Abbott directed an investigation into foreign workers hired through the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to bring in skilled workers for specialized roles. An estimated 12,000 workers in Texas were sponsored through the program last year. At a campaign event on Thursday, Abbott told NBC 5 that the pause is intended to ensure employers do not abuse the system to cut labor costs. “Because of allegations of fraud and abuse, not just in Texas, but elsewhere, I want to make sure we are able to look into it. That’s why I pressed pause,” Abbott said. He added that the state should evaluate whether native-born Texans could fill the same roles. “Public schools, as in K through 12, are using H-1B visas to teach our kids. Why can’t we have Texans teaching our kids?” he said. Andrea Coker, with the North Texas Commission — which advocates for cities and employers in the region — said the program has helped businesses find workers for highly specific roles. “We have the best universities, the best companies. Everything is bigger and better in Texas. Some of that has been built by bringing in the best and brightest talent,” she said. Coker said she supports balancing the program with opportunities for local workers. “We’re doing both. We’re making sure that the H-1B visas are an asset to increase and better our workforce, but also making sure our native Texans get the employment opportunities they deserve,” she said. Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue when the Texas Legislature returns to Austin in January 2027. Findings from the investigation could help guide their decisions. ...read more read less