Understanding the H-1B Visa Program and Its Importance in Higher Education

The H-1B visa (Nonimmigrant Worker Visa for Specialty Occupations) is a temporary work authorization issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows employers to hire foreign professionals in fields requiring at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent specialized knowledge. Unlike many other work visas, universities and nonprofit research organizations are exempt from the annual cap of 85,000 visas, making it a vital tool for attracting global talent to academia.

In higher education, H-1B visas support roles like professors, researchers, physicians, engineers, and data scientists. For instance, medical centers affiliated with public universities rely on them for specialized healthcare experts, while STEM departments use them to fill positions where domestic candidates are scarce. Federal data from fiscal year 2025 shows U.S. colleges and universities approved over 16,000 H-1B visas in the first three quarters alone, accounting for about 5% of total issuances, with nearly half concentrated at just 50 institutions.

These visas enable initial employment for up to three years, extendable to six, providing a bridge for international scholars—many of whom graduate from U.S. programs—to contribute to research and teaching. Restrictions on this program could ripple through innovation pipelines, as international talent often drives breakthroughs in fields like AI, biotechnology, and physics.

📊 Texas Governor Orders Immediate Freeze on New H-1B Petitions

On January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed all state agencies controlled by gubernatorially appointed heads and public institutions of higher education to halt new H-1B visa petitions through May 31, 2027—the end of the 90th legislative session. Exceptions require written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and institutions must submit detailed reports by late March on 2025 petitions, current holders' details (job titles, origins, expirations), and recruitment efforts for qualified Texans.

Abbott emphasized prioritizing taxpayer-funded jobs for Americans, stating, “State government must lead by example and ensure that employment opportunities—particularly those funded with taxpayer dollars—are filled by Texans first.” This aligns with federal scrutiny under the Trump administration, including a September 2025 proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B applications.

Major affected institutions include the University of Texas System (13 campuses), Texas A&M University System, UT Southwestern Medical Center (228 H-1B holders as of September 2025), Texas A&M (214), UT MD Anderson Cancer Center (166), and UT Austin (165). Texas A&M reportedly spent $3.25 million on H-1B-related costs from 2020 to late 2025. Universities like Texas A&M and the UT System have confirmed compliance while awaiting further guidance.

Florida Board of Governors Advances One-Year Hiring Pause

Following Governor Ron DeSantis' October 2025 call to “pull the plug” on H-1B visas at public universities—likening them to “indentured servitude” for cheap labor—the Florida Board of Governors preliminarily voted on January 29, 2026, at Florida State University to pause new hires until January 5, 2027. A 14-day public comment period precedes final approval on February 23.

The measure targets costs amid the new federal fee and aims to study usage during the pause, with allowances for unforeseen needs like medical shortages. Fiscal year 2025 data highlights reliance: University of Florida (253 visas), Florida State University (110), University of South Florida (107), and University of Central Florida (47). From FY2022 to Q3 2025, Florida institutions approved 3,033 H-1B visas, 65% at public universities.

DeSantis argued universities should prioritize qualified Americans, especially with AI-driven job shifts. Other visa options remain open, but critics note H-1B's unique flexibility for nonprofits.

Photo by Alexander Wark Feeney on Unsplash

Reasons Driving These State-Level Policy Shifts

Both actions stem from concerns over program abuse, where visas allegedly displace U.S. workers with lower-wage foreigners. Governors cite taxpayer burdens, with Texas focusing on public schools lacking unique needs for H-1Bs and Florida on excessive reliance despite domestic talent pools. This mirrors federal reforms, including the $100k fee to deter frivolous use and ensure supplements—not substitutes—for American labor.

Broader context includes post-2024 election priorities to protect jobs amid economic shifts. For details on Texas's directive, see the Texas Tribune report.

Potential Impacts on Research, Healthcare, and Academic Excellence

Pauses threaten specialized hiring in cap-exempt roles critical for U.S. leadership. About 40% of public university H-1Bs go to health institutions, risking rural care and cancer research at places like UT Southwestern and MD Anderson. STEM fields face voids in AI-physics fusion or grant-winning expertise.

• Reduced global competitiveness: Top talent may choose Canada or Europe.
• Innovation slowdown: H-1B holders contribute disproportionately to patents and Nobel-level work.
• Student impacts: Fewer diverse faculty means less exposure to international perspectives.
• Existing holders: Renewals uncertain, potential brain drain.

Faculty warn of overreach harming missions. For faculty perspectives, read Inside Higher Ed's coverage.

Reactions from Academia, Experts, and Policymakers

Higher ed leaders decry the moves as shortsighted. Miriam Feldblum of the Presidents’ Alliance noted U.S. supremacy relies on attracting the best, not nationality-based limits. Texas AAUP President Brian Evans called it “reckless,” endangering medical centers. Physicist Talat Rahman (ex-H-1B at UCF) stressed hiring best-fits based on publications and leadership, not factories.

Advocates like FWD.us argue freezes hurt Texans needing top healthcare or research. X discussions trend with divides: supporters hail “America first,” critics fear talent exodus. Florida faculty like Kimberly Dunn emphasized meritocracy.

On Florida's process, check the Florida Phoenix article.

Photo by Yansi Keim on Unsplash

🎓 Strategies for Job Seekers and Institutions Amid the Changes

For international academics eyeing higher ed jobs, pivot to cap-subject private universities, other states, or visas like O-1 (extraordinary ability) or J-1 (exchange). U.S. grads: Highlight skills via career advice resources. Institutions can:

• Invest in domestic training programs.
• Seek TWC exemptions for critical roles.
• Partner with community colleges for pipelines.
• Explore TN visas for certain professionals.

Explore openings at university jobs nationwide.

Outlook and Opportunities in a Shifting Landscape

These pauses, temporary amid reviews, signal tighter scrutiny but open doors for U.S. talent development. Monitor legislative sessions for reforms. Job seekers, share experiences on Rate My Professor or apply via higher-ed-jobs and post-a-job for admins. Higher ed career advice can guide transitions. Despite challenges, higher education remains a beacon for innovation—adapt and thrive.