A distinguished American lawmaker has criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order freezing new H-1B visa petitions at public universities and state companies, calling it dangerous to the state’s workforce and economic system.
Congressman Marc Veasey mentioned the choice would weaken Texas at a time when expert labour and innovation are important.
Abbott final month ordered state companies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions by means of the tip of 2027 whereas his administration evaluations using the federal program. He has mentioned taxpayer-funded jobs must be crammed by Texans first.
“Abbott’s determination to freeze H-1B visa petitions at Texas public universities and state companies is a blow to Texas’ workforce,” Veasey mentioned in a strongly worded assertion.
“Texas’ economic system has thrived as a result of we appeal to certified staff, researchers, docs, educators, and college students who carry their abilities and laborious work to strengthen our communities. This order undermines that legacy,” he mentioned.
The Texas Democrat mentioned the freeze would have an effect on households, college students and staff who contribute to the state day-after-day.
“This motion will impression 1000’s of households, college students, and staff who contribute day-after-day to our state’s success,” he mentioned. “It is going to make Texas much less aggressive economically, weaken our workforce, and erode the standing of our greater schooling and medical establishments at a time when innovation and expertise are important to our future.”
Veasey additionally criticised Abbott’s expanded assessment of visa use at universities and state companies. He mentioned it could not repair deeper immigration issues.
“Governor Abbott’s so-called investigations do nothing to repair our damaged immigration system,” Veasey mentioned. “They waste taxpayer {dollars}, sow worry, and provide no actual options.”
He mentioned immigration reform requires cooperation, not political assaults. “Immigration reform requires critical management and bipartisan cooperation — not political stunts that scapegoat immigrants and harm Texas’ economic system,” Veasey mentioned.
Veasey warned that the transfer sends a detrimental message to world expertise and buyers.
“Texas must be competing to draw one of the best expertise on the planet, not driving it away,” he mentioned. “We should reject fear-based politics and give attention to insurance policies that develop our economic system, help households, and maintain Texas sturdy.”
