Want a US visa? These health parameters should be fine

The United States' Trump administration has issued a directive disqualifying individuals with severe medical conditions from applying for US immigration visas. Experts term it one of the most aggressive policies in Trump's immigration crackdown moves. The new guidance, which has sparked criticism, is aimed at reducing the potential future healthcare burden posed by immigrants. According to reports, the new rule applies to all visa categories, including tourists (B-1/B-2), students (F-1), work visa applicants, and green card applicants. In the past, visas were only denied to those with infectious diseases like tuberculosis. 

Who will be denied visa?
Under the new order, applicants suffering from diabetes, heart disease, lung ailments, cancer, neurological disorders, obesity, mental health issues and other conditions may be denied a visa. Visa officers are now required to assess not only applicants' financial stability but also the health conditions of their family members. The guidelines also instruct officers to consider the age of applicants, whether they have the financial means to cover any health issues, and to assess the health of family members and the long-term care requirements that may arise.

Experts in the immigration sector have criticised these new rules. Charles Wheeler,  who represents the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, warned that since visa officers lack medical training, their assessments of applicants’ health could be inaccurate, potentially leading to injustice. The network also noted that common conditions, such as diabetes, could unfairly render many applicants ineligible.