Why Texas Is Rejecting Some H-1B Driver's License Renewals
Summary
Some H-1B visa holders in Texas are being denied driver's license renewals because their visa stamps have expired. Lawyers say these workers may still be legally allowed to stay in the U.S. based on other documents like Form I-797 and I-94, which Texas officials seem to be misunderstanding.Key Facts
- H-1B visas let U.S. employers hire foreign workers for special jobs like tech, engineering, and healthcare.
- A visa stamp in a passport is a travel document used to enter the U.S., not proof of legal status inside the country.
- Legal status while in the U.S. is shown by documents like Form I-797 approval notices and I-94 records.
- Some Texas Department of Public Safety offices have denied driver’s license renewals when visa stamps expired, confusing status with travel authority.
- Immigration attorneys say this may be due to inconsistent training or unclear guidance at Texas DPS offices.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has paused new H-1B visa petitions for public agencies until 2027.
- The Trump administration has set stricter rules on the H-1B program, including a new fee and a wage-based selection system.
- The number of H-1B applications dropped sharply in 2027, possibly due to these tougher rules and higher costs.
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