DALLAS: Texas has launched one of its toughest crackdowns yet on birth tourism. Governor Greg Abbott signed Executive Order GA-57, directing state agencies to investigate hospitals, medical facilities and individuals suspected of helping foreign nationals travel to Texas to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children. The order could affect hospitals, doctors and healthcare providers, as well as visitors from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries who travel to the United States on visit visas. Announcing the order, Abbott said, “American citizenship is not for sale,” and vowed that Texas would not tolerate activities that the state believes exploit the U.S. immigration system. The executive order directs six state agencies, including the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Board of Nursing, to investigate suspected birth tourism-related activities within the healthcare sector. The agencies can also share information with federal authorities and recommend actions such as suspending or revoking professional licenses and removing healthcare providers from state contracts when necessary. The move follows Abbott’s earlier directive to the Health and Human Services Commission to investigate hospitals accused of advertising maternity packages specifically for foreign women. State officials later referred the cases of two Texas hospitals to the attorney general after reports emerged about advertisements in Mexico promoting maternity services for pregnant foreign women near the U.S.-Mexico border. The advertisements reportedly listed normal delivery packages at $3,950 and C-section procedures at $5,525.

At least nine people were killed and 23 others injured after Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Saturday morning, according to Ukrainian emergency authorities. The Ukrainian Emergency Service said the casualties included two young boys. Officials also reported that one of the injured victims remained in critical condition as rescue and emergency teams continued their operations across the affected areas. The missile strike caused extensive damage to several buildings and triggered fires at multiple locations in the capital. Emergency workers rushed to the scene to extinguish the fires, secure damaged structures and search through piles of debris for survivors. Rescue teams continued clearing the rubble in an effort to locate anyone who might still be trapped beneath collapsed sections of buildings. The attack added to growing concerns over the security situation in Kyiv, which has faced an increase in Russian missile and drone strikes in recent months. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned that Russian attacks continue to pose a serious threat to civilians as well as critical infrastructure. The latest assault also renewed Ukraine’s calls for stronger air defence capabilities. Kyiv has been pressing its Western allies to provide additional advanced defence systems and ammunition, arguing that stronger air protection remains essential to defending major cities and strategic facilities from Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine has particularly sought additional Patriot air defence systems, which can intercept certain types of high-speed missiles and provide protection against aerial threats. Ukrainian officials have consistently described air defence as one of their most urgent military requirements as the conflict continues. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said discussions are continuing over the possibility of providing Ukraine with technology linked to the production of Patriot missile systems. Trump indicated that talks remain ongoing but made clear that Washington has not yet reached a final decision on the matter. The issue is significant for Ukraine, which has sought to strengthen its ability to defend its territory while reducing its dependence on foreign supplies. Access to advanced air defence technology could potentially help Kyiv expand its defensive capabilities and respond more effectively to repeated missile attacks. The latest strike comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to put civilians and urban centres at risk. Kyiv remains a key target, and Ukrainian officials have repeatedly appealed to international partners for greater military support and stronger air defence measures to protect the capital and other major population centres.