AUSTIN ~ Austin - In an effort to crack down on unlawful birth tourism schemes in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order directing state agencies to investigate and eliminate these fraudulent practices. The order also holds licensed healthcare providers accountable for facilitating such schemes.

Governor Abbott stated, "Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of our immigration laws. This executive order directs state agencies to investigate birth tourism schemes and hold accountable any provider that facilitates this fraud. U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will put a stop to individuals seeking to profit from birth tourism."

The executive order specifically directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the HHSC Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Texas Medical Board (TMB), the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON), and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to investigate claims of birth tourism schemes within the state's healthcare industry.

Under this order, these state agencies are required to take enforcement action against any licensed or regulated individual or entity found to be involved in advertising, soliciting, engaging in, assisting with, providing, or otherwise participating in unlawful birth tourism schemes. Possible enforcement actions include revoking or suspending licenses, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, or pursuing other enforcement actions under state law.

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In addition to taking action at the state level, these agencies may also collaborate with federal prosecutors to identify and combat birth tourism schemes within Texas' healthcare industry. This could involve sharing information and referring potential violations of federal law.

This executive order builds upon previous measures taken by Governor Abbott. On July 7th, he directed HHSC to launch an immediate investigation into hospitals in Texas that were advertising birth tourism packages. Any violations of state law were referred to the Office of the Attorney General for civil enforcement and potential criminal prosecution by district or county attorneys. As a result of this action, two Texas hospitals were referred to the Attorney General for allegedly advertising "birth packages" in Mexico.

Texans with information on birth tourism schemes are encouraged to report it immediately to the HHSC Office of Inspector General. Tips can also be submitted to the Department of Justice or the appropriate U.S. Attorney's Office in Texas.

Governor Abbott's executive order sends a clear message that Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of its immigration laws and will take swift action against those who seek to profit from birth tourism schemes. The state is committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. citizenship and ensuring that it is not for sale.

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