Save Our Pak
US President Donald Trump has introduced another new rule. According to this policy, people suffering from long-term illnesses such as diabetes and obesity may now be denied a US visa.
According to foreign media reports, the US Department of State has issued new instructions to all American embassies and consulates around the world. Usually, visa applicants go through a health screening by immigration officers, mainly to check for contagious diseases like tuberculosis (TB). But now, new health conditions have been added to this list.
Reports say that US officials will now check if an applicant is suffering from any long-term disease. They will also decide whether allowing such a person to enter the United States could put a financial burden on the government. Based on these findings, the final decision to approve or deny the visa will be made.
The new instructions say, “The applicant’s health must be carefully reviewed.” Diseases like heart problems, breathing disorders, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and nervous system diseases, and mental health issues cost the government millions of dollars every year for treatment.
The report also adds that obesity often leads to other health issues like asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. People with such conditions usually need long-term medical care, which becomes very expensive for the government to handle.
Therefore, visa officers are directed to assess whether a person might depend on public resources for their treatment. If they are likely to become a financial burden on the state, they will not be allowed entry into the United States.
Officers are also instructed to verify if the applicant can afford medical expenses without government help. They will also review the health conditions of the applicant’s family members. However, the US Department of State has not yet commented on this matter, so it remains unclear whether these new laws have officially taken effect or not.
Reported by Save Our Pak
