Summary
The U.S. State Department has introduced new rules for visa applicants, focusing on their health and financial status. These guidelines mean foreigners can be denied visas if they have medical conditions like diabetes or if they could become a financial burden. The rules have sparked debate over their legality and fairness.
Key Facts
- The State Department's new visa guidelines affect people seeking visas to work, visit, or live in the U.S.
- Visas can now be denied based on medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.
- Applicants who might become a financial burden on the U.S. can also be denied visas.
- These new rules add to the existing requirement for visa applicants to undergo health screenings and provide medical history.
- The guidelines consider applicants' potential lifetime medical costs without the consular officials having medical or financial expertise.
- Critics argue the guidelines were not reviewed through normal legal channels and conflict with existing immigration regulations.
- A State Department spokesperson stated the rules aim to protect American taxpayers by ensuring immigrants do not become public charges.
- Research indicates that immigrants generally use public services less than native-born U.S. citizens.
