Tougher Immigration Rules: America to Screen Applicants for Costly Health Conditions

Washington: The Donald Trump administration has issued a new directive, under which foreign citizens trying to get a visa or green card in America can now be refused a visa on the basis of their chronic health conditions. Under this new policy, conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and mental illnesses will be seen as “likely to become a burden on the government in the future.”

What is the new rule?

The US State Department has sent a new circular to all embassies and consulates, asking them to "flag" applicants whose medical treatment could cost millions of dollars. The list includes cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and metabolic diseases as well as mental health disorders.

According to the report, officials will now also consider conditions like obesity as serious, as it can lead to complications like asthma, blood pressure, and sleep apnea. That is, a person who can go to America and become dependent on the government for treatment; his visa or green card can be canceled.

Which rule was made more strict?

This change is part of a strict interpretation of America's old “Public Charge” law. This rule was originally created in the early 1900s to deny entry to the US to people who might be dependent on government assistance. Earlier, health screening was limited to infectious diseases like TB or HIV, but now it has been extended to non-infectious diseases and chronic health conditions.

Which visas will be affected?

It is not yet clear whether this new rule will also apply to tourist (B1/B2) or student visa (F1) holders. However, officials say the biggest impact will be on permanent residence (green card) and immigration visa applicants.

Currently, tourist visas require that the applicant prove that he has sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses of the trip and that he will leave the country at the end of his trip.

What are the criticisms and concerns?

Immigration experts and human rights groups have criticized the directive. They say this will give visa officers the authority to conduct medical examinations for which they are not trained.
As per the policy, visa officers will assess whether a person can sustain himself without government support throughout his life. This would make it almost impossible for elderly applicants and those with chronic illnesses to enter the US.

Who will have benefits?

Experts believe this policy will tilt America's legal immigration system in favor of the wealthy and healthy. This could block the way for millions of eligible but sick or elderly immigrants.

Immigration rights groups have warned that the decision is not only discriminatory but will also damage the image of America, which until now was seen as a symbol of “equal opportunity and humanity.”