League City mayor opposes use of H-1B visas for publicly funded positions

League City Mayor Nick Long entered the H-1B controversy by posting on X that publicly funded roles should be occupied by taxpayers rather than foreign workers. His remarks were triggered by Texas State University's notice of intent to sponsor an H-1B visa for a public-relations specialist position. Republican Texas House candidate Scott Bowen amplified the issue, asking why the university did not hire one of its many communication graduates.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, public universities and affiliated nonprofits are exempt from the 65,000-plus-20,000 annual H-1B cap, allowing year-round sponsorship. The discussion occurs as a new study by NAFSA and JB International predicts a decline in international student numbers for the upcoming fall term, citing visa bottlenecks and stricter immigration rules. The combined controversy highlights tensions over immigration policy, public-sector hiring, and the economic impact of declining foreign student enrollment.