Gov. Greg Abbott has introduced a new executive order aimed at documenting and recouping the healthcare costs associated with illegal immigration in Texas. In his announcement, Abbott criticized the Biden-Harris administration, asserting that their border policies have unfairly burdened Texas. The order requires hospitals across the state to begin tracking and reporting the expenses incurred from treating illegal immigrants, with the goal of holding the federal government accountable for these costs.
Starting November 1, 2024, Texas hospitals will collect data on the number of illegal immigrants treated and the costs involved. This information, which will not interfere with patient care, is intended to be reported annually, beginning in 2026, to key state officials, including the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House. Abbott emphasized that Texas should not have to shoulder these financial responsibilities alone, particularly when they are a direct result of federal policies.
Abbott’s order is the latest in a series of measures aimed at challenging the federal government’s approach to border security. By demanding that the Biden-Harris administration reimburse Texas for these healthcare costs, Abbott is signaling his commitment to protecting state resources. The Governor’s decision underscores his ongoing efforts to address what he sees as the federal government’s failure to manage immigration effectively, a stance that continues to resonate with many Texans.
