Texas Agriculture Department Proposes Grant Exclusion for H-1B Users

The Texas Department of Agriculture proposed excluding businesses that employ H-1B visa holders from some grants it administers, intending to direct taxpayer-funded support toward Texas workers. Sid Miller, Agriculture Commissioner, announced the proposal on October 28 and urged Governor Greg Abbott to consider similar conditions for other state agencies. The department stated the change would not impact federal grant eligibility or participation in state-funded loan programs.

The proposal could narrow access to state aid for businesses operating in Texas. Sid Miller stated the measure is intended to ensure Texas workers come first. The scope of the proposed change may affect programs like the Agriculture Production Resource Opportunity, which the department administers.