An executive order issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2024 drastically changed the way immigrants living in the state treat their illnesses and approach doctor visits.
Since Nov. 1 of that year, hospitals in Texas that accept Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program coverage have asked all patients about their immigration status and whether they are lawfully present in the United States. In the 16 months since the executive order took effect, public health experts say many people have avoided hospitals altogether out of fear of immigration enforcement.
