H-1B demand rises in Texas: Why foreign-worker demand is rising even as filings fall across most of the US

Between fiscal years 2019 and 2025, H-1B labor filings in certain Republican-held suburban congressional districts in Texas skyrocketed, even as demand for the foreign-worker program slipped nationwide, according to a recent analysis of federal labor data shared by Newsweek. LayoffHedge, the entity behind the analysis, scrutinized 6.9 million Labor Condition Applications, or LCAs, submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The study revealed that the eight congressional districts experiencing the most significant growth in H-1B demand during the six-year period were all represented by Republican lawmakers in Texas. LCAs are prerequisites for employers seeking to hire foreign skilled workers through the H-1B program but do not indicate final visa approvals or individual visa recipients.

Of the 243 congressional districts analyzed, fewer than one in four recorded a rise in filings between fiscal years 2019 and 2025. Median filings among Democratic-held districts dropped by 30%, while those in Republican-held districts declined by 18%. Ten of the 20 fastest-growing districts were in Texas, and 15 of the top 20 were represented by Republicans.

The most dramatic surge occurred in Texas' 3rd Congressional District, held by Republican Keith Self, with filings jumping 242%, from 1,388 in fiscal year 2019 to 4,748 in fiscal year 2025. Similarly, the 26th District, represented by Republican Brandon Gill, saw a 217% increase, climbing from 2,010 to 6,374 filings. Other Texas districts also posted notable gains: the 31st District's filings rose 145%, the 10th District increased by 126%, the 22nd District saw a 69% jump, the 8th District experienced a 58% rise, the 21st District saw a 48% increase, and the 4th District experienced a 47% surge.

These figures represent employer demand rather than the final number of foreign workers entering or remaining in the United States through the H-1B program. H-1B visas are typically granted for up to three years and can be extended under certain circumstances. The Texas growth is particularly striking considering the federal government's recent attempts to reform the H-1B system under President Donald Trump.

The administration aimed to modify H-1B selection procedures, introduce additional screening requirements, and propose changes impacting workers who lose their jobs. A proposed $100,000 fee for certain new overseas H-1B petitions also faced legal challenges. Concurrent to this private-sector surge in H-1B filings, Texas officials have imposed restrictions, ordering state agencies and public universities to halt the initiation and filing of new H-1B petitions.

Governor Greg Abbott's directive, set to remain in effect until May 31, 2027, exempts private employers outside the state government and public university systems from these restrictions.