Governor Abbott Cracks Down on Birth Tourism

Governor Greg Abbott takes decisive action to end the exploitation of America's immigration system through so-called "birth tourism." Executive Order GA-57 sends a clear message: Texas will no longer tolerate individuals or organizations profiting from schemes designed to exploit our nation's citizenship laws. 

For too long, businesses and healthcare providers have marketed "birth packages" to foreign nationals, encouraging them to travel to Texas for the sole purpose of giving birth on American soil so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship. This practice cheapens the value of American citizenship, rewards abuse of our immigration system, and places an unnecessary burden on Texas taxpayers and healthcare resources.

Governor Abbott's executive order directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and other state agencies to investigate unlawful birth tourism schemes. Providers found advertising, facilitating, or participating in these operations can face serious consequences, including suspension or revocation of professional licenses, exclusion from state contracts, denial of state benefits, and referrals for additional legal action.

The order also authorizes cooperation with federal prosecutors to ensure these schemes are fully investigated.

Governor Abbott's action builds on an earlier investigation launched this month after allegations surfaced that Texas hospitals were advertising birth packages in Mexico. According to the Governor's office, two Texas hospitals have already been referred to the Office of the Attorney General following investigations into those advertisements. Texans with knowledge of similar schemes are encouraged to report them to state authorities. 

Citizenship is one of the greatest privileges in the world. It should never become a commodity that can be purchased through carefully orchestrated tourism packages or immigration loopholes. America's immigration laws exist for a reason, and they should be enforced fairly and consistently. Individuals who attempt to manipulate those laws for financial or personal gain undermine both the rule of law and the integrity of our immigration system.

We also appreciate Governor Abbott's willingness to use every available tool under state law to combat fraud while working alongside the Trump Administration's renewed efforts to secure the border and restore confidence in America's immigration system. Texans have repeatedly demanded stronger enforcement, and this executive order demonstrates that state leaders are listening. 

Texas Family Project commends Governor Abbott for taking bold action to protect the integrity of American citizenship and defend the rule of law. We also encourage the Texas Legislature to build on this momentum during the next legislative session by strengthening state law, increasing penalties for those who profit from birth tourism, and ensuring that Texas never becomes a destination for those seeking to exploit our immigration system.

If enacted and fully enforced, this order has the potential to make Texas a national leader in combating birth tourism and preserving the integrity of the immigration system and negating fraud which hurts every single American family.