H-1B labor filings have risen sharply in several Republican-held congressional districts in Texas, even as demand for the foreign-worker programme declined across much of the United States between fiscal 2019 and 2025, according to an analysis of US Department of Labor data.
The analysis examined 6.9 million Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), which employers must generally file before petitioning for H-1B workers. LCAs indicate employer demand for foreign skilled workers but do not represent final H-1B visa approvals.
Texas accounted for 10 of the 20 fastest-growing congressional districts, with 15 of the top 20 districts represented by Republicans. The largest increase was recorded in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, represented by Republican Keith Self, where certified filings rose 242%, from 1,388 in fiscal 2019 to 4,748 in fiscal 2025.
In the 26th District, represented by Brandon Gill, filings increased 217%, from 2,010 to 6,374. Other Texas districts also recorded significant growth, including increases of 145% in the 31st District, 126% in the 10th and 69% in the 22nd.
Nationally, fewer than one in four of the 243 districts analysed saw an increase in H-1B filings. The median Democratic-held district recorded a 30% decline, while the median Republican-held district saw filings fall by 18%.
H-1B visas allow US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, finance and scientific research.
The increase in Texas comes amid wider changes to the H-1B programme under the Donald Trump administration, including changes to the selection process and additional screening requirements.
At the same time, Texas has taken steps to restrict H-1B hiring by state agencies and public universities. Governor Greg Abbott ordered these institutions to pause new H-1B petitions, with the directive currently set to remain in effect until May 31, 2027, unless the Texas Workforce Commission grants approval.
The restrictions do not apply to private-sector employers, which can continue to file H-1B petitions under federal rules.
