In Texas, the unemployment rate has reached alarming levels, with approximately 650,000 to 680,000 individuals out of work. Despite this, the state is home to more than 40,000 H-1B visa holders who are actively employed. The H-1B visa program has sparked significant debate, particularly among critics who argue that it enables companies to prioritize foreign workers over American citizens. This issue has gained traction in the political arena, with some lawmakers advocating for reforms or even the elimination of the program altogether. The ongoing discussions reflect broader national concerns regarding immigration and employment policies.
As of 2026, the estimated number of H-1B visa holders in the United States ranges between 600,000 and 800,000. The Trump administration had previously announced intentions to address potential abuses within the visa system, yet the program continues to thrive. Some Republican members of Congress have called for the complete termination of the H-1B visa program, asserting that it undermines job opportunities for American workers. Additionally, there are calls to end the Optional Practical Training program, which allows foreign students to work in the U.S. for nearly four years post-graduation, often incentivizing employers through tax breaks.
Texas ranks second in the nation for both H-1B visa approvals and active visa holders. In the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex alone, employers received approval for 33,455 H-1B visas from fiscal year 2025 to 2026. Notably, Infosys announced plans to hire 500 Texans at its Richardson office, although data on U.S. citizen employment at the company remains unavailable. In Austin, 10,094 H-1B visas were approved during the same period, with the University of Texas at Austin employing 280 visa holders. The Houston area also saw significant approvals, with major employers like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center leading the way.
In response to the ongoing debate, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies and public universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions and reassess their current use of the program. A report by Simon Hankinson from The Heritage Foundation recommended that Congress maintain a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas, reverse changes made by the Biden administration that allow company founders to self-petition, and prioritize hiring qualified Americans over foreign applicants. The situation in Texas exemplifies the complexities surrounding immigration policy and its impact on the job market, raising questions about the balance between foreign labor and domestic employment opportunities.
