US may deny visas to immigrants with certain health conditions under new guidelines: Reports

Are Americans prioritising health over immigration? Recent guidance may bar visa applicants with chronic or expensive-to-treat medical conditions, citing potential reliance on public benefits and long-term care costs.

Washington: The US administration says the guidance is intended to prevent immigrants from becoming a “public charge.” Officials argue that certain medical conditions could require long-term or expensive care, potentially forcing reliance on government support. By assessing both applicants and their dependents, authorities aim to determine whether immigrants have sufficient resources to cover future medical costs without using public benefits. Supporters claim the policy protects US taxpayers and ensures the healthcare system is not overburdened.

Guidelines for Visa Officers

The new directive instructs consular officers to consider a broad range of medical conditions when evaluating visa applications. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, neurological disorders, metabolic conditions, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues are explicitly mentioned. Officers are advised to assess the applicant’s ability to pay for treatment throughout their lifetime and whether dependents such as children or elderly family members may require additional care that could impact the applicant’s employment and self-sufficiency.

Scope of the Policy

The guidelines apply to nearly all visa applicants, but experts suggest enforcement will be most relevant for those seeking permanent residence, such as Green Card applicants. The guidance represents a major expansion of previous assessments that focused more narrowly on immediate medical risks rather than projecting potential long-term healthcare costs. Critics argue that this policy effectively asks officers to speculate on an applicant’s future health trajectory and financial stability.

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Concerns from Experts

Immigration and legal experts have raised concerns about the practical application of the guidance. Visa officers are not trained medical professionals and may struggle to evaluate how chronic conditions will evolve or whether an applicant could realistically become a financial burden. Legal advocates also worry that encouraging speculation on medical costs could lead to arbitrary or inconsistent visa denials, disproportionately affecting individuals with legitimate health conditions who could otherwise contribute to US society.

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Impact on Applicants

Applicants will now need to provide detailed medical records, and doctors examining them may be asked to speculate on long-term costs of care. Experts warn that this could lead to unnecessary stress and complications during visa interviews. Observers predict the policy may slow immigration processing, create legal challenges, and potentially discourage skilled workers or families with medical histories from applying.

Looking Ahead

While intended to protect public resources, the new guidance could create significant hurdles for many prospective immigrants. With health conditions now central to visa eligibility, both applicants and consular officers face a more complex process. Legal and medical professionals may need to intervene to ensure decisions remain fair, transparent, and evidence-based.