Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an executive order directing Texas hospitals to track and report the healthcare costs associated with illegal immigrants. Abbott stated that the Biden-Harris administration should be financially responsible for these costs, which he argued are a direct consequence of federal immigration policies. The order marks another step in Abbott’s broader strategy to challenge what he perceives as lax border enforcement by the federal government.
Beginning November 1, 2024, Texas hospitals are required to collect detailed information on the number of illegal immigrants receiving inpatient and emergency care, as well as the costs of these services. The data collected under this mandate will be compiled into annual reports, with the first report due on January 1, 2026, to be submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House. Abbott stressed that the state should not bear the financial burden alone, and that the federal government must be held accountable.
Abbott’s order reflects growing concerns in Texas over the strain that illegal immigration is placing on state resources, particularly in the healthcare sector. By requiring detailed cost tracking, Abbott aims to build a case for demanding reimbursement from the Biden-Harris administration. The executive order is part of a broader effort by the Texas government to push back against federal immigration policies and protect the state’s financial interests.
