In a move expected to significantly impact high-skilled Indian professionals, the US state of Texas has announced a freeze on H-1B visa applications for state agencies and public universities, aligning itself with President Donald Trump&rsquo;s tightened immigration policy.
The decision was confirmed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and comes months after the Trump administration proposed a steep $100,000 increase in H-1B visa application fees. The freeze will remain in effect until May 31, 2027, directly affecting state universities, public hospitals and other government-run institutions.
According to an official communication issued by the governor, the H-1B visa programme has increasingly been used to fill roles that could otherwise be occupied by American workers. Abbott stated that public institutions funded by taxpayers must prioritise employment opportunities for Texans and set an example in the state&rsquo;s labour market.
Data cited by the Houston Chronicle indicates that while most H-1B visa holders in Texas are employed by private companies, a substantial number work in public institutions such as state universities and healthcare facilities. The new order specifically targets these publicly funded bodies.
As part of the directive, all Texas state agencies have been instructed to submit a detailed report by March 27. The report must include information on visa renewals, applicants&rsquo; countries of origin, current visa expiry dates and workforce dependency on foreign professionals.
The move marks another setback for Indians in the United States, particularly in Texas, which hosts one of the country&rsquo;s largest Indian populations. According to the Pew Research Centre, around 570,000 of the 5.2 million Indians living in the US reside in Texas. Other states with significant Indian populations include New Jersey, New York and Illinois.
Indian nationals make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders nationwide, and immigration curbs introduced by the Trump administration are expected to affect them disproportionately. Estimates suggest that Indians account for nearly two-thirds of all skilled immigrants in the US.
The Texas decision also comes at a time when India-US relations are under strain due to trade tensions and tariff disputes, including increased duties on Indian goods and disagreements over India&rsquo;s energy purchases amid the Ukraine conflict.

Texas backs Trump’s immigration push, halts H-1B visas for state bodies

Texas freezes H-1B visas, setback for Indians

Texas backs Trump’s immigration push, halts H-1B visas for state bodies

January 28, 2026 | 17:28 IST