Texas Governor Orders Probe Into Birth Tourism, Says Citizenship Not for Sale

The executive order, signed Tuesday, targets businesses that market pregnancy and delivery services to foreign nationals seeking U.S. citizenship for their children. Abbott said the practice exploits a constitutional right and undermines the integrity of American citizenship.

The order directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Medical Board, and the state attorney general's office to identify and prosecute operators of birth tourism packages. It also calls for a review of hospital and clinic practices to ensure compliance with state law.

Abbott's directive follows similar actions in other states and comes amid a national debate over birthright citizenship. The governor said he wants to ensure that Texas does not become a destination for those looking to circumvent immigration laws.

The order does not change the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to those born on U.S. soil, but it seeks to penalize the commercial promotion of such services. Violators could face fines and loss of medical licenses.

State agencies are required to report their findings and recommendations to the governor's office within 90 days.