WASHINGTON (AP) — A new directive from President Donald Trump’s administration could make that happen. Even more difficult for foreigners If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, or if you do not have the financial resources or assets to support yourself, you may not be able to visit or reside in the United States.
The guidance, sent out in a cable from the State Department last week and obtained by The Associated Press, instructs embassy and consular officials to comprehensively and thoroughly vet visa applicants to ensure they do not need to rely on government benefits once they enter the United States. Experts say further restrictions on immigration could come at a time when a Republican administration is already in power. Reinforce those rules.
The directive reveals how the Trump administration is interpreting it utility billsa concept in immigration law that allows foreign nationals to be denied entry or permanent residence if they may become dependent on U.S. government resources, such as certain types of cash or food assistance.
Federal law already required those seeking green card status or legal status to prove they would not commit a public crime, but the Cable guidelines appear to be an extension of President Trump’s expansion of welfare programs that can disqualify applicants during his first term.
“This could lead to a significant narrowing of immigration,” said Julia Gerratt, deputy director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute. “The Trump administration is returning to the policies it sought to implement during its first term regarding public spending.”
New directive further strengthens health requirements
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has pursued: Government-wide immigration crackdown That includes tightening restrictions on foreign nationals who will be allowed to enter the country and those who are already in the country. Immigration policy experts say the latest guidance could reduce the number of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas issued, potentially disproportionately impacting some groups of foreigners seeking access to the United States, such as the elderly and low-income people.
The telegram was sent from State Department headquarters to all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said Tuesday that “the Trump administration is putting the interests of the American people first.” “This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden to American taxpayers.”
Immigrants wishing to enter the United States have already undergone a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy. They will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and will be asked to disclose their history of drug and alcohol use, mental health and violence. Multiple vaccinations are also required.
The new Directive provides more specific requirements. The Cable says consular officials must consider a variety of specific details about people seeking visas, regardless of their country, including age, health, family status, financial situation, education, skills, and past use of public assistance. Additionally, it is necessary to evaluate applicants’ English proficiency, which can be assessed by conducting interviews in English.
Experts say the directive could widen the list of visa denials.
Among the medical conditions that can disqualify a visa applicant are chronic illnesses. Obesity; high blood pressure; cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases; depression; anxiety; and mental health conditions can require “hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of treatment,” the Telegraph says.
It also tells consular staff that they should request to see the applicant’s bank and financial documents, evidence of assets, checking, savings, brokerage, trust funds, and retirement accounts whenever the applicant seeks to use finances to meet utility requirements.
The guidelines primarily affect people outside the United States or those seeking visa renewals, but some experts warn that they could also affect family members of people already living in the United States who wish to visit or live with them.
Adriana Cadena, executive director of Protecting Immigrant Families, said the policy is “dangerous” and will impact immigrant families living legally in the United States.
“The breadth and secrecy of the reports has caused confusion and concern, preventing legally present immigrants and immigrant family members from receiving the assistance and care to which they are entitled under federal law,” Cadena said.
U.S. officials familiar with the new guidelines said the changes apply to immigrant visas, not nonimmigrant visas known as B-2 visas, which allow short-term stays that include personal visits and medical treatment.
Immigration attorney Stephen Heller said a lot of discretion is left to consular officials to interpret the guidance appropriately. But he added that the guidance represented a change in message from approaching visa applications from a favorable perspective to considering all the circumstances to find reasons to refuse a visa application.
“The new guidance is about messaging,” Heller said. “They are given permission to use the ‘totality of the situation’ as a sword rather than a shield.”
Fox News first reported on cable television.
___
Salomon reported from Miami. Associated Press writer Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.
