The United States is implementing stricter health screening protocols for visa applicants, potentially making it more difficult for individuals with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases to obtain entry into the country.
New Health Parameters for Visa Screening
According to reports from CBS News and KFF Health News, the Trump administration has issued new directives to embassy and consular officials requiring more rigorous health assessments. Visa officers must now consider applicants' age and likelihood of relying on public benefits in the US due to health issues.
The guidance specifically mentions that certain medical conditions—including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions—can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of medical care. The cable also highlights obesity as a concerning condition, noting it can lead to asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
Focus on Financial Self-Sufficiency
Visa officers have been directed to determine whether applicants have adequate financial resources to cover potential medical costs throughout their entire expected lifespan without seeking government assistance. The guidance explicitly 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?"
Another critical question raised in the directive concerns dependents: "Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?"
Impact on Permanent Residency Seekers
While the new guidelines apply to nearly all visa categories, Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, indicated they would likely be used primarily for people seeking permanent residency in the United States.
The assessment of applicants' health is not entirely new to the visa process. Currently, applicants are already screened for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and must complete forms disclosing history of drug or alcohol use, mental health conditions, and violent behavior. They're also required to have vaccinations against infectious diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B.
However, the new mandate makes health considerations a central focus throughout the entire visa application process, potentially affecting thousands of Indian applicants who might have previously qualified for US visas despite managing chronic health conditions.
