Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced his own crackdown Tuesday to try to block migrants who game the immigration system by having babies on U.S. soil, earning automatic citizenship for those children.
While the migrants are largely out of the state’s reach, Mr. Abbott ordered his agencies to look for healthcare firms that knowingly facilitate the mothers’ travel and delivery.
They are part of what’s called “birth tourism.”
“Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of our immigration laws by individuals traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their child,” Mr. Abbott said in announcing his executive order.
He said his agencies will look for state firms that advertise, solicit or otherwise assist in birth tourism.
The companies face loss of licenses and state contracts.
He also said authorities can share what they learn with the federal government.
The Supreme Court late last month ruled that children born on U.S. soil to illegal immigrants and temporary visitors are entitled to automatic citizenship under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
But experts say seeking a visa to enter the U.S. specifically to give birth is not a valid purpose, and can be blocked.
Despite that, firms across the country advertise their services in assisting foreign women.
Mr. Abbott said the Texas Health and Human Services Commission earlier this month flagged possible investigations for birth tourism.
That included two hospitals that were connected to HaveMyBabyInTexas.com, a now-defunct website that — in Spanish — promoted giving birth in the state.
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