The US’ new directive on visa approval has shocked many countries, including India. Under the new rule, US visa officers have started considering foreigners’ chronic health conditions — including obesity, diabetes and even depression. And if they find any of these chronic diseases, they might deny the visa. According to a cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to US embassies and consulates worldwide on November 6, visa officers will now have broader discretion to reject applicants deemed likely to require “expensive or prolonged medical care.
What does this move indicate?
The policy represents a significant expansion of earlier medical screenings, which had mostly focused on contagious diseases. The new move will make applicants suffering from conditions such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, neurological disorders, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression could be disqualified. That means the scope for denying a visa has widened with these new additions.
Medical condition on what visa could be denied
Among the medical conditions that could disqualify a visa applicant are chronic conditions; obesity; high blood pressure, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases; depression; anxiety; and mental health conditions that can require “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” the cable says.
What about obesity?
The new rule tells visa officers to pay attention to health conditions such as obesity, as it can cause problems like asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. These long-term diseases are now seen as signs that a person could become a financial burden on the United States in the future. The change, announced on Thursday, is one of the strongest steps in the government’s immigration policy, directly connecting a person’s health condition to whether they can enter the country.
US visa officials to review more specific details of applicants
The new rule adds more detailed requirements for visa applicants. It instructs visa officers to consider many specific factors, including an applicant’s age, health, family situation, finances, education, skills, and any past use of government assistance. These requirements apply to people from all countries. The rule also states that officers should assess an applicant’s English proficiency, which can be tested through interviews conducted in English.
