Cognizant and Infosys Dominate H-1B Visa Hiring in Texas
In a period marked by heightened scrutiny from the Texas government over H-1B visa holders allegedly displacing American jobs, a recent report by Dallas Express has shed light on the state's top employers of such visa holders since 2020. The data, covering from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2025, highlights two Indian IT conglomerates, Cognizant and Infosys, as the leading recruiters, significantly outpacing other companies in the region.
Top Employers and Hiring Numbers
According to the report, Cognizant Technology Solutions hired an impressive 50,666 H-1B visa holders during this timeframe, while Infosys Limited followed closely with 45,323 hires. Together, these two firms account for a substantial portion of H-1B employment in Texas, far exceeding the numbers of other major corporations. Oracle America Inc secured the third spot with 11,603 hires, followed by Tesla Inc with 5,307, and KPMG LLP with 2,677.
The list of top 25 employers also includes notable educational and public institutions, such as Texas A&M University with 1,087 hires, UT Southwestern Medical Center with 1,379, The University of Texas at Austin with 893, and Dallas Independent School District with 1,290. Other prominent companies featured are Charles Schwab & Company Inc, NTT Data, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, AT&T Services Inc, American Airlines Inc, EMC Corporation, Dell USA L P, and several others, including technology firms like Indeed Inc and Samsung Austin Semiconductor LLC.
State Actions and Controversies
This revelation comes shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a one-year freeze on hiring H-1B visa holders in state agencies and universities, citing concerns over job competition and visa program integrity. Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a probe into three Indian firms that have historically employed H-1B workers, demanding detailed information about these employees and their roles.
The H-1B visa program has become a contentious issue in Texas, fueled by allegations of abuse. Journalist Sara Gonzales recently claimed to have uncovered visa misuse after visiting the official address of an H-1B company and finding only a residential property with no office or employees, sparking further debate over program oversight.
Implications for the Tech and Education Sectors
The dominance of Cognizant and Infosys in H-1B hiring underscores the reliance of Texas's technology sector on skilled foreign labor, particularly from India. However, with state authorities tightening regulations and launching investigations, companies may face increased scrutiny and potential operational challenges. Educational institutions and public sectors, which also feature prominently on the list, could be impacted by the hiring freeze, affecting their ability to recruit international talent for research and specialized roles.
As Texas continues to grapple with the balance between protecting domestic jobs and leveraging global expertise, the outcomes of these probes and policy changes will likely shape the future of H-1B visa employment in the state, influencing both corporate strategies and workforce dynamics.
