Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has announced that businesses employing H-1B visa holders will no longer be eligible for certain grants administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, in a move aimed at prioritising local workers in the use of taxpayer money. Miller announced the policy on October 28, saying public funds should support businesses that create opportunities for Texans rather than companies that rely on temporary foreign workers.“Texas taxpayers work hard for their money. They deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used to create opportunities for Texans — not to subsidize businesses that choose foreign labor while Texans are ready and willing to work,” Miller said.The commissioner also challenged Governor Greg Abbott and other statewide elected officials to introduce similar restrictions across their agencies, grant programmes and economic development initiatives.“Governor Abbott has publicly declared that taxpayer-funded employment should prioritize Texans. I agree — and now it’s time to turn that principle into action,” Miller said.He urged state leaders to review existing grant and economic incentive programmes, increase transparency about recipients and ensure public funding creates opportunities for Texas workers.
Which grants will be affected?
The restrictions apply to eligible grants administered directly by the Texas Department of Agriculture. They do not extend to TDA-administered programs operated on behalf of independent boards, commissions or other entities that establish their own eligibility criteria.The policy also does not prevent public or private Texas entities from receiving federal grants or participating in state-funded loan programmes administered by the department.Miller said the move was intended to ensure that taxpayer-funded assistance supports Texas communities and businesses that invest in the local workforce.The announcement follows Abbott’s January 2026 directive ordering Texas state agencies and public universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions, subject to exceptions. That directive was intended to give the state time to review its use of the visa programme and introduce safeguards to prioritise Texas workers.Miller urged other state officials to follow the agriculture department’s approach and extend similar restrictions to other publicly funded programmes.
