New Delhi: Aspirants dreaming of a new life in the United States may find their ambitions dashed by chronic health conditions as the Trump administration tightens visa norms to weed out potential “public charges.”
A fresh directive from the U.S. State Department flags non-communicable ailments like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease as grounds for rejection, raising alarms among immigration hopefuls worldwide.
The policy extends beyond routine checks for infectious diseases or vaccinations, now scrutinizing a spectrum of serious illnesses — encompassing cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, cancer, metabolic and neurological conditions, and even mental health issues. Officials argue that these could impose exorbitant treatment costs, rendering applicants reliant on taxpayer-funded resources. “Such individuals risk becoming a fiscal burden on the American system,” the guideline states, mandating visa officers to evaluate long-term financial viability.
Applicants face probing questions: Can you self-fund lifelong care without state aid? Will your condition — or that of accompanying family members, including children or elderly parents — escalate into dependency? This holistic review aims to safeguard public welfare but has drawn sharp criticism from immigration experts. “Visa adjudicators lack medical expertise; decisions could stem from biases rather than facts,” warns a leading attorney, highlighting the policy’s potential for arbitrary denials.
While applicable across visa categories, the harshest repercussions loom for green card seekers, whose permanent residency bids undergo rigorous medical vetting. As borders harden under Trump’s renewed focus on self-sufficiency, this health-centric barrier could redefine migration pathways, compelling applicants to prove not just intent but enduring economic resilience.