Texas Governor Greg Abbott: 'American Citizenship Is Not for Sale'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has staunchly defended Executive Order GA-57, a directive instructing six state agencies to investigate alleged cases of "birth tourism." Abbott asserted on July 22 that "American citizenship is not for sale," reinforcing his administration's tightened stance on immigration.

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American citizenship is not for sale

In a social media post, Abbott explained that the order was motivated by concerns that some individuals enter the United States illegally or under false pretenses with the specific aim of having children who will obtain U.S. citizenship by birth. "People are traveling illegally to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their child. That is fraud," Abbott stated, adding that state agencies have been directed to investigate such schemes and hold accountable any facilitators.

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People are traveling illegally to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their child. That is fraud.

Executive Order GA-57 assigns investigations to state agencies involved in public health, professional regulation, and service oversight. The directive extends to any person or entity found to be advertising, promoting, facilitating, or participating in alleged birth tourism schemes. Depending on the findings, these entities could face administrative measures, including license suspensions or revocations, and civil penalties, as permitted by state law. Abbott has also authorized state agencies to coordinate with federal prosecutors when deemed appropriate and in accordance with the Texas Constitution.

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I issued an executive order directing state agencies to investigate these birth tourism schemes and hold accountable every provider that facilitates them.