AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday he will ask the Texas Legislature to prohibit public school districts from hiring workers through H-1B visas, a move he said would prevent foreign influence in the state’s K-12 education system.
Abbott said he wants legislation that would ensure “exactly zero” Texas public school employees hold H-1B visas. He also proposed prohibiting public schools from accepting gifts or entering financial agreements with foreign sources, similar to restrictions already imposed on Texas universities.
The Legislature must approve the proposed changes when it convenes next year before Abbott can sign them into law. Abbott said the legislation would apply to current H-1B visa holders as well as future applicants.
H-1B visas allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized positions. Universities and affiliated health institutions employ most H-1B visa holders in Texas’ education sector, but several school districts use the program to address teacher shortages, including in bilingual education.
“We’re tired of the federal government not putting limits on who can come in under H-1Bs,” Abbott said during a campaign stop in Austin. “Because of the federal government’s failure to control H-1B visas, Texas is having to put our foot down.”
Dallas ISD employs 171 H-1B visa holders, the most among Texas school districts and public universities, according to federal data.
Abbott previously ordered state agencies and public universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions in January. That directive did not apply to K-12 school districts.
Gina Hinojosa, Abbott’s Democratic opponent in the 2026 governor’s race, criticized the proposal and blamed Abbott’s education policies for teacher shortages.
“Texas public schools are in crisis, and desperate districts have sought teachers from out of the country,” Hinojosa said, adding that the state has prepared fewer certified teachers than in the past.
The proposal comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has also taken steps to restrict the H-1B program, accusing some employers of using it to replace U.S. workers with lower-paid labor. Federal officials review and approve H-1B applications.
Texas school districts employ more educators holding H-1B visas than districts in any other state, according to a 2025 National Education Association analysis.
