Two large state university systems moved this week toward pausing new H‑1B hires, a step that would curtail how public campuses recruit international scholars and researchers. Florida’s Board of Governors advanced a proposal to ban new H‑1B hiring pending public comment, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a moratorium and reporting requirements while citing alleged program misuse. Both actions follow the Trump administration’s September fee hike and broader federal pressure on foreign-worker programs. University leaders warned the pauses will disrupt hiring for faculty, clinical staff and specialized researchers, jeopardizing instructional capacity and research productivity in health care, engineering and STEM fields that rely heavily on international talent. Faculty groups and system representatives argued the moratoria risk weakening academic freedom and institutional autonomy while creating operational strain for campuses that already face replacement and visa‑fee costs. State officials said the moves will protect local workers and gather data on H‑1B usage; university advocates said short‑term pauses could force programs to delay clinics, tenure-track searches and grant-funded projects. Higher‑education legal experts expect litigation and federal pushback as institutions seek exemptions for critical roles.