US Tightens Visa and Green Card Rules Over Health Conditions
The United States has implemented stricter guidelines that could make it more difficult for foreign nationals with chronic health conditions to obtain visas or permanent residency. The new rules, issued by the U.S. State Department, require visa officers to thoroughly evaluate the future medical costs for applicants and their dependents before granting entry.
According to a report by KFF Health News, these guidelines apply to all visa applicants but will primarily impact those seeking a Green Card or a long-term stay in the U.S. Medical conditions highlighted in the directive include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, neurological disorders, mental health issues, and metabolic illnesses. Visa officers are instructed to assess whether these conditions might lead to long-term or expensive treatment in the future.
The State Department’s cable states that applicants with these conditions could be deemed a “public charge,” meaning they might rely on U.S. government resources for healthcare. Officers must also consider the applicant’s financial capacity to pay for medical care independently, evaluating whether they can cover potential costs without requiring government support over their lifetime.
Immigration attorney Charles Wheeler from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network has expressed concern, noting that visa officers lack medical training and may make personal or biased judgments regarding future health risks. He emphasized that predicting long-term medical needs without proper expertise could lead to unjust rejections.
These new rules also extend to assessing the health of an applicant’s family members, including elderly parents or children. If a dependent requires constant care or has a disabling condition that could affect the applicant’s ability to work full-time in the U.S., the application may be denied.
Currently, immigrants must undergo a medical exam conducted by doctors approved by the U.S. embassy. These exams check for communicable diseases, mental health issues, substance use history, and required vaccinations for illnesses such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B. However, the latest guidelines go beyond communicable diseases, making chronic conditions a significant factor in the evaluation process.
Immigration experts suggest that this shift reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten U.S. immigration rules. Previously, changes included increased H-1B visa fees and stricter scrutiny for Green Card holders applying for citizenship. These new health-related guidelines are expected to particularly affect Indian applicants, many of whom apply for long-term visas each year.
As the new directive takes effect, applicants are advised to ensure they have complete medical records, financial documentation, and proof of insurance to demonstrate their ability to cover future healthcare costs in the U.S.
