Florida’s state university system advanced a proposal to bar new H-1B hires while Texas issued a sweeping pause on new H-1B visa applications at public colleges — moves that signal an escalating state-level push to limit foreign faculty and researchers. In Florida, a Board of Governors committee voted to solicit public comment on a moratorium through Jan. 5, 2027; in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott ordered a freeze through May 31, 2027 and demanded detailed reports from institutions. University leaders warn the actions will disrupt hiring for engineering, health care and research roles that depend on international scholars; faculty groups say the pauses threaten institutional autonomy and research capacity.