Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Order Requiring Hospitals Log Immigration Status Of Patients

Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia accused the GOP governor of "social engineering and targeting immigrants."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Thursday signed an executive order requiring hospitals to record the immigration status of patients starting later this year, in a bid to assess costs that the state incurs by providing care to people lacking permanent legal status.

On social media, Abbott vowed to make Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration reimburse Texas for its “costly” border policies.

“Texans should NOT have to foot the bill for illegal immigrants healthcare,” the governor wrote.

Under federal law, hospitals are not allowed to deny emergency care to any individual, regardless of their immigration status or ability to cover the cost of treatment.

Abbott said this results in Texans ultimately bearing “the costs associated with public financial support for medical care for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States, in the form of higher taxes.”