Having a sweet tooth or missing a workout session could now come with immigration consequences. Especially if you are a US aspirant.
The Donald Trump administration has unleashed a sweeping new visa crackdown. Foreigners with health conditions like diabetes, obesity, or chronic illnesses could now be denied entry to the US.
It includes those dreaming of permanent residency.
According to reports, the State Department sent the guidance to US embassies around the world, according to reports. A senior attorney said it mainly targets those seeking permanent residency.
Visa officers are told to flag applicants with medical conditions that could cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.” This includes cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological issues, mental health problems, and obesity. The guidance warns such applicants could be considered a “public charge,” draining US resources.
Obesity is highlighted as a special concern. The directive notes it can lead to asthma, sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure. “All of these can require expensive, long-term care,” the cable says.
Officers must also consider the health of an applicant’s family members. The State Department asks: “Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?”
Applicants must show they can pay for medical care without relying on government help. The cable asks: “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalisation at government expense?”
Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, criticized the approach. “The guidance directs visa officers to develop ‘their own thoughts about what could lead to some sort of medical emergency or sort of medical costs in the future.’ That’s troubling because they’re not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldn’t be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias,” he was quoted as saying.
Applicants still undergo medical exams by US embassy-approved doctors. These include screening for communicable diseases, mental health history, substance use, and vaccinations. But the new directive adds chronic illnesses into the evaluation, said Sophia Genovese, an immigration lawyer at Georgetown University. She added that officers and doctors are now encouraged to speculate on the costs of care and the applicant’s ability to work.
This move follows a series of immigration-focused steps under Trump’s second term. H-1B visa fees have increased, and Green Card applicants face stricter checks. Experts say these changes could affect many Indian applicants.
Also Read: Around The UK, US In Five Months: Deported Man Takes Illegal Immigration To New Level https://www.vibesofindia.com/around-the-uk-us-in-five-months-deported-man-takes-illegal-immigration-to-new-level/
