Texas Ag Department Bans H-1B Employers From Grants
TL;DR
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced a new policy regarding H-1B visa holders.
- Businesses that employ H-1B workers can no longer receive certain grants from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
- The directive aims to prioritize local workers and ensure taxpayer money supports Texas-based opportunities.
- Miller called on Governor Greg Abbott and other officials to enact similar restrictions across all state agencies.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller revealed a new policy that disqualifies companies employing H-1B visa holders from receiving specific grants managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Announced on October 28, the rule is designed to ensure public funds favor local employment over temporary foreign labor.
According to the department, the limitations apply only to eligible grants administered directly by the agency. They do not impact federal grants, state-funded loan programs, or programs run on behalf of independent boards and commissions with their own criteria.
Miller also challenged Governor Greg Abbott and other statewide leaders to implement similar rules across their respective agencies and economic programs. This follows a previous January 2026 directive by Abbott that ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions across state agencies and public universities.
Why It Matters
This policy change directly impacts businesses and workers utilizing the H-1B visa program in Texas, reflecting broader state-level efforts to restrict temporary foreign labor in favor of local employment.
Oct 29, 2026 · Updated 10/29/2026, 7:37:17 PM · Reported with: Times of India World
Sources (1)
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Times of India World — If you hire H-1B, you won't get grants: Texas Agriculture Department's new rule for businesses; 'Taxpayers work hard for their money'Up next · Immigration
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