The concept of “birth tourism” might sound like a quirky travel trend on the surface, but to many in Texas, it’s more like a cunning loophole in the law. Birth tourism, where pregnant foreign nationals travel to the United States with the intention of giving birth and securing U.S. citizenship for their baby, has drawn the ire of some Texan lawmakers. With Texas at the frontline, it might be time for the state to strap on its cowboy boots and march into legislative battle.

In the Lone Star State, the phrase “come and take it” is more than just a historical slogan; it evokes a spirit of defiance. That spirit is alive and well with Texas State Representative Brian Harrison. He insists that Texas should not sit idly by while what he sees as exploitative practices compromise the integrity of citizenship. Apparently, offering birth packages at bargain prices is a trend he cannot endorse. Who knew citizenship could be comparable to a Black Friday sale?

Governor Greg Abbott has already directed state agencies to investigate hospitals like Mission Regional Medical Center, potentially involved in facilitating these so-called “birth vacations.” The hospital, doing its best impression of innocence, claims to steer clear of anything unlawful and has ceased its controversial promotions. Yet, Harrison argues that ending advertisements alone is not enough. According to him, Texas needs all hands on deck to curtail this practice. And by “all hands,” he means setting up a special session aimed at making birth tourism a felony.

Harrison’s crusade doesn’t stop there. A change in Texas law might be just the first move. He’s also calling for the state to stop issuing birth certificates to children born to illegal aliens and non-citizens. According to Harrison, the current policy essentially rolls out the red carpet, asks newcomers for a show, and then sends them packing with a star-spangled souvenir—a U.S. birth certificate. This, he claims, not only fails to deter birth tourism but actively encourages it.

Support for Harrison’s initiative is slowly mounting. Various Republican representatives and congressmen are climbing aboard Harrison’s wagon, signaling that they, too, are ready to tackle the issue of birth tourism head-on. Whether or not this legislative effort will carry the day remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Texas is gearing up to defend its turf. And if there’s anything the state hates more than an “edicts from Washington, D.C.,” it’s being in the backseat while someone else makes the rules. So, birth tourists, beware—the welcome mat may soon say “not in Texas.”