Trump administration instructs officials to deny Visa applications due to illness

The Donald Trump administration has issued new guidelines to all U.S. embassies and consulates, instructing immigration officials to deny visa applications to individuals who could become a public charge.

Immigrants applying for visas to live in the U.S. could be denied if they have certain medical conditions, such as obesity or diabetes.

Paula Andalo, Spanish editor of Kaiser Family Foundation Health News, discusses the announcement and explains what it means.

She notes that while a medical examination is already required when applying for permanent residence in the US, it is now being intensified due to the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policy.

She acknowledges that there are voices among immigrant advocates who regret that immigrants with non-communicable diseases are now being held back.

She warns against the abuse of the term “public charge” among immigrants.

In addition, she says that consulate officials are not doctors, so a discretionary and hypothetical decision would be made.

She warns that it is also speculative and inappropriate to make decisions under this scrutiny.

The language encourages officials and doctors to examine.

Paula Andalo recalls that the government text includes that obese people, those with chronic illnesses, and those with disabilities are not accepted.

Finally, she recommended that people inform themselves and prepare for a consular appointment to apply for citizenship or residency.