There’s no doubt that immigrants to this country and those seeking to immigrate have faced a considerable amount of anxiety and uncertainty this year. It can seem like the rules are constantly changing – or being ignored completely.
Now the Trump administration has announced that those seeking visas will be subject to greater scrutiny about their health. This added scrutiny could lead to considerably more visa denials.
Just this month, the U.S. Department of State directed visa officers at embassies and consulates to deny applications if they believe an applicant has one or more medical conditions that could cause them to become a “public charge.”
The fact that the U.S. tries to avoid letting people enter the country who will be a drain on its resources is nothing new. Further, visa applicants are already given a medical exam and screened for communicable diseases.
What medical conditions are considered?
What’s new under the November directive to visa officers is an added focus on an applicant’s current health as well as projected future health issues for themselves and their family. Specifically, the communication to embassy and consulate officials states, “You must consider an applicant’s health. Certain medical conditions — including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions — can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.”
It further notes that obesity should be considered when determining whether to issue or deny a visa. That’s because obesity can cause a variety of medical conditions that “can require expensive, long-term care” that someone may not be able to afford.
Financial resources are also a key consideration
That’s why an applicant’s ability to pay for their own health care must also be considered. Officials are to ask, “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 institutionalization at government expense?”
The emphasis on health extends to an applicant’s dependent family members. Officials are to consider, “Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?”
Now more than ever, having experienced legal guidance can be crucial to successfully navigating the visa process for those seeking to live in the U.S. and their family members already in the U.S. who are helping them.