Detractors claim that it has evolved into a channel for international workers willing to accept lower wages, thereby diminishing job prospects for Americans. Conversely, advocates assert that the program is vital for attracting premier global talent, fulfilling specialized positions, and fostering innovation.

"The state administration should set a precedent by ensuring that job opportunities — especially those financed by taxpayer funds — are prioritized for Texans," Abbott expressed in his correspondence.

However, supporters of the program contend that it is advantageous for the state, arguing that any halt could exacerbate existing staffing deficiencies and obstruct universities' efforts to recruit talent.

"Halting those avenues complicates efforts to staff classrooms, research institutions, and medical facilities throughout our state, increasing costs, taxing public resources, and negatively impacting Texans everywhere," Rep. Ramon Romero Jr., a Democrat and chair of the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus, stated in a written message.

The suspension in Texas, applicable only to state agencies and public institutions, is set to persist until May 31, 2027. Abbott's directive does permit exceptions with approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Abbott indicated that the freeze will allow legislators time to "create statutory boundaries" for employment under the visa initiative, enable Congress to revise federal legislation, and implement program changes proposed by the Trump administration.

Presently, the public university in the state with the highest number of H-1B visa holders is the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, employing 228 visa holders, according to data provided by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services in September. The university boasts over 23,000 employees, as stated on its website. University representatives did not promptly respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the suspension.

Other institutions with H-1B visa holders include Texas A&M University in College Station with 214; the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston with 171; the University of Texas at Austin with 169; and Texas Tech University in Lubbock with 143.

Though many types of employers can request HB-1 visas — including hospitals, bands, and universities — at least 60% of the H-1B visas granted since 2012 have been for technology-related positions, according to the Pew Research Center.

Last year, Amazon was the dominant recipient nationwide, with over 10,000 approved visas, followed by the Mumbai-based IT firm Tata Consultancy Services, along with Microsoft, Apple, and Google. In Texas, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, a global IT firm, holds the most H-1B visas in the state, totaling 3,172.

Abbott, alongside other Republicans who assert that the visas are misused, intends to examine the program's usage. Therefore, he has instructed agencies and universities to submit information on the number of new or renewed H-1B visa applications from the previous year, including current visa holders’ details, job titles, originating countries, and visa expiration timelines. The Republican also requested documentation demonstrating that employers made genuine efforts to provide "qualified Texas candidates with fair opportunities to apply" for positions occupied by H-1B holders.

On the opposite front, Romero contends that H-1B visa holders are "Texans in every significant aspect," asserting that they are dedicated professionals who "work diligently, adhere to regulations, and contribute to our economy."

Abbott is not the only Republican governor taking measures. Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis demanded a reduction in H-1B hires, alleging misuse of the program for unskilled positions.

On Thursday, the Board of Governors, responsible for overseeing Florida's public university system, is slated to discuss pausing the H-1B program for hiring new staff until the coming year.

President Donald Trump enacted a proclamation last year imposing a $100,000 yearly H-1B visa fee on highly skilled workers, which is currently under legal challenge.

Established by the 1990 Immigration Act, H-1B visas permit American firms to recruit individuals with technical competencies that are difficult to source domestically. The visas are valid for three years and can be extended for an additional three years.

The annual issuance of new visas is limited to 65,000, with an extra 20,000 for individuals holding a master’s degree or above. Certain employers, such as universities and nonprofits, are exempt from these caps.