US Considers Denying Visas to Foreigners with Chronic Health Conditions

Image Source: Internet

The US government has issued new guidelines for evaluating visa applicants, which may lead to the rejection of foreigners with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic respiratory diseases. According to a report by KFF Health News, visa officers will assess whether applicants can afford medical treatment independently without relying on public assistance. The directive, which was sent to US embassy and consular officials, encourages visa officers to consider various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and mental health conditions, in their assessments. The officers will also evaluate whether the applicant's family members, such as children or older parents, have any special needs that may require care. Experts say that the new guidelines significantly broaden the range of medical conditions to be assessed, and may be used in cases where an applicant seeks to permanently reside in the US. However, the US government has stated that the goal is to ensure that visa applicants are self-sufficient and do not rely on public benefits. The new guidelines are part of a broader effort to tighten visa regulations and ensure that immigrants do not become a burden on the US healthcare system. The US government has long screened visa applicants for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, but the new guidelines mark a significant shift in the assessment process. According to Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, the new direction applies to nearly all visa applicants, but is likely to be used only in cases where an applicant seeks to permanently reside in the US. The US government has not announced any changes to the current visa application process, and applicants are still required to undergo medical screenings and other assessments as part of the visa application process.