Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Ted H. Kim, Associate Director Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate for USCIS | https://www.naco.org/
Employers are classified under industries based on their reported operations and may be involved in multiple industries.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. It is designed to address skill gaps in the U.S. workforce while ensuring wage standards to protect both U.S. and H-1B workers. Employers must certify that they will pay H-1B workers wages equal to or greater than those of similarly qualified U.S. employees or the prevailing local wage.
The average approval rate for H-1B petitions across the United States in 2024 stood at 98%, slightly higher than 2023's 97.3%. Locally, employers across all industries located within the North Coastal News publication area submitted 66 petitions during the same period, achieving an approval rate of 100%.
The Manufacturing industry led the H-1B filings in the North Coastal News publication area during 2024, with 22 petitions (33.3% of all submissions), and an approval rate of 100%. Meanwhile, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry was the second largest contributor, filing 21 petitions (31.8% of the total), with an approval rate of 100%.
Among local employers with petitions categorized under the Manufacturing sector during 2024, Inteplast Group Corporation stood out with 11 petitions and an approval rate of 100%, followed by Formosa Plastics Corporation Texas with eight petitions and an approval rate of 100%.
Compared to 2023, the Manufacturing sector in the North Coastal News publication area saw a 120% increase in the number of H-1B petitions during 2024.
The United States admits around 1 million legal immigrants annually, most of whom receive permanent residence (green cards) through family sponsorship or employment-based visas. In 2023, about 1.2 million immigrants were granted green cards, a return to pre-pandemic levels. Temporary visa programs, such as the H-1B for highly skilled workers and H-2A for seasonal agricultural workers, also play a critical role in filling workforce needs.
Public opinion on immigration varies, with 46% of Americans favoring maintaining current legal immigration levels, according to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey. Additionally, 42% believe that highly skilled workers, such as scientists, doctors, and programmers, should be prioritized for legal immigration, compared to 25% who prioritize workers filling labor shortages and 19% who emphasize family sponsorship. Despite this, family sponsorship remains the most common path to permanent residency, accounting for 63% of green cards issued in 2023.
The data in this article comes from the H-1B Employer Data Hub provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While USCIS strives for accuracy, manual data entry and errors on paper forms submitted by applicants or petitioners may result in discrepancies in employer names, tax IDs, locations, or other details.
| Rank | Industry | Total Petitions | % of All Submissions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing | 22 | 33.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 2 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 21 | 31.8% | 100% | 0% |
| 3 | Educational Services | 18 | 27.3% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 1.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Retail Trade | 1 | 1.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 1 | 1.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 1 | 1.5% | 100% | 0% |
| 4 | Accommodation and Food Services | 1 | 1.5% | 100% | 0% |
| Company Name | Industry | Total Petitions | % Approved | % Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus Engineering F K a Teste, Inc. | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 17 | 100% | 0% |
| Beeville Independent School Distri | Educational Services | 13 | 100% | 0% |
| Inteplast Group Corporation | Manufacturing | 11 | 100% | 0% |
| Formosa Plastics Corporation Texas | Manufacturing | 8 | 100% | 0% |
| Testengeer, Inc. | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 4 | 100% | 0% |
| Beeville Independent School District | Educational Services | 3 | 100% | 0% |
| Calhoun County Independent School | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Circle Y Properties, Inc. | Manufacturing | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Coastal Bend College | Educational Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| El Campo Memorial Hospital | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Mayfield Medical Supply, LLC | Manufacturing | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Port Store, Inc. | Retail Trade | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Steel Dynamics Southwest, LLC | Manufacturing | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Tejas Production Services, Inc. | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| The Catholic Diocese of Victoria in Texas | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 1 | 100% | 0% |
| Wilkesboro Hospitality, Inc. | Accommodation and Food Services | 1 | 100% | 0% |
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