US to Deny Visas to Indians with Chronic Diseases
The United States is implementing new guidelines that could lead to visa denials for Indian nationals, and other foreign applicants, with pre-existing chronic health conditions. The directive, which has been circulated to US embassies and consulates globally, instructs visa officers to consider an applicant's health status when determining their eligibility for a visa or permanent residency. This marks a significant shift in the country's visa assessment criteria.
The new rules expand the scope of the "public charge" rule, which has historically aimed to prevent individuals likely to become primarily dependent on public assistance from entering the U.S.. While previous health screenings focused on communicable diseases, the updated guidance now includes chronic, non-communicable illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory ailments, cancers, neurological and mental health disorders. Visa officers are advised to assess whether applicants or their dependents have medical conditions that could require extensive and costly medical care, potentially costing "hundreds of thousands of dollars," and whether they can afford such treatment without relying on U.S. government assistance. Obesity is specifically mentioned due to its association with conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
The directive has already sparked concern among Indian nationals, educational institutions, and immigration advocates. Many fear that the new guidelines could disproportionately affect applicants from countries like India, where chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are prevalent.
Immigration experts suggest that while the new rules may impact Indians applying for permanent residency, students on short-term visas are less likely to be affected. However, it remains unclear how stringently consular officers will apply these rules to students applying for F-1 visas. The policy introduces a layer of uncertainty to the already complex visa process and could potentially narrow the pathway for international education in the U.S..
Several Indian nationals in the U.S. have expressed alarm over the new instructions, with some pointing out that many immigrants on temporary or employment-based visas are ineligible for federal healthcare benefits and are required to purchase private health insurance or bear medical expenses themselves. Even Green Card holders often face a waiting period before qualifying for Medicaid in most states.
The State Department defends the policy as an extension of the public charge rule, emphasizing that it aims to ensure that foreign nationals can financially support their healthcare needs without burdening U.S. taxpayers. However, critics argue that the new guidelines could lead to unfair and subjective medical judgments, potentially discriminating against individuals with chronic conditions. They also raise concerns about the broader impacts on global mobility and the fairness of denying visas based on potential future healthcare costs.
