The Donald Trump administration announced a policy to restrict visa issuance for foreign nationals with certain illnesses such as diabetes or obesi...
On May 29, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, citizens wait in line for visa issuance. Kim Chang-gil, reporter The Donald Trump administration announced a policy to restrict visa issuance for foreign nationals with certain illnesses such as diabetes or obesity.
AP reported on the 11th that the U.S. Department of State sent such guidance last week to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, instructing them to review applications so that applicants demonstrate they will not need to rely on U.S. government public benefits. According to the new guidance, officers may deny visas to applicants who have chronic illnesses, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic and neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions that require “treatment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars”. The Department also instructed officers to verify whether an applicant can pay medical expenses without assistance from the U.S. government. The guidance also told them to consider the health status of family members, including children and elderly parents of the applicant. U.S. officials said the guidance applies only to immigrant visas and does not apply to issuance of the nonimmigrant B-2 visa that allows short stays. The United States already includes a step in the visa process to check the health of applicants. Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. embassy, receive vaccinations against communicable diseases such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B, and submit forms disclosing histories of drugs, alcohol, mental illness, and violence. However, experts said the list of health conditions to be considered under the new guidance has expanded significantly, and that visa officers now have greater authority to decide based on applicant health. The guidance states that immigrants’ health problems or age could make them a ‘public charge’ that drains U.S. resources. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “The Trump administration places the interests of the American people first,” adding, “This includes implementing policies to ensure the immigration system does not burden American taxpayers.” Since returning to office, President Trump has pursued a wide range of anti-immigration policies. The Trump administration has tightened related procedures, including expanding social media screening to check for anti-American activities by visa applicants. As a result of these policies, about 80,000 nonimmigrant visas have reportedly been canceled since President Trump returned to office. Experts believe the guidance could affect even immigrant families who already reside legally in the United States. Adriana Cadena, CEO of the Immigrant Family Protection Association, said of the new guidance, “It prevents immigrant families who live legally from receiving help and care guaranteed by federal law.”
Obesity Can Trigger U.S. Visa Denial”···U.S. Stat
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