Governor Abbott Orders State Crackdown on Unlawful Birth Tourism Operations in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order directing Texas agencies to investigate and crack down on unlawful birth tourism operations. The order instructs multiple state agencies to investigate individuals or businesses accused of helping foreign nationals travel to Texas to give birth for citizenship-related reasons. Agencies may pursue penalties ranging from license suspensions to restrictions on state contracts. The order also encourages cooperation with federal prosecutors. Abbott says Texas will not allow the state’s healthcare system to be used to facilitate what he describes as abuse of immigration laws.