Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate alleged birth tourism schemes, arguing that the practice is being used to obtain U.S. citizenship for children through fraud.
Announcing the move in a post on X, Abbott said, “Individuals are traveling to the U.S. illegally to give birth and secure citizenship for their child. That’s fraud.” He added, “I issued an executive order directing state agencies to investigate these birth tourism schemes and hold every provider that facilitates them accountable. U.S. citizenship is not for sale.”
The announcement comes with Executive Order GA-57, signed on July 21, which directs multiple Texas agencies to investigate alleged birth tourism activities within the state’s healthcare system and pursue enforcement against licensed individuals or entities found to be involved.
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According to the executive order, agencies including the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Texas Medical Board (TMB), the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) have been instructed to investigate claims of birth tourism schemes.
The executive order directs the agencies to pursue enforcement against licensed or regulated individuals and entities found to be “advertising, soliciting, engaging in, assisting with, providing, or otherwise participating in such activities.” It says those found to be involved could face penalties including “revoking or suspending licensure, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, or taking other enforcement action.”
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Abbott’s order also authorizes the agencies, subject to the governor’s approval, to work with federal prosecutors to identify and combat birth tourism operations in Texas. The collaboration could include sharing information and resources, as well as referring potential violations of federal law for prosecution.
The executive order cites the statutory authority of each state agency involved. It notes that the Office of Inspector General is responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse involving Texas health and human services programs, while the Texas Medical Board, Board of Nursing, and Department of Licensing and Regulation oversee the licensing and regulation of physicians, nurses, and midwives, including enforcement against deceptive practices.
Executive Order GA-57 supersedes any previous state orders that conflict with its provisions and will remain in effect until it is modified, amended, rescinded, or replaced by the governor. It was signed by Abbott on July 21, and filed with the Texas Secretary of State later that day.