- What is the policy?
- Immigrants must undergo a medical exam performed by a U.S. Embassy-approved physician and fill out a form that asks about any history of drug or alcohol use, mental illness, or violence. The exam includes screening for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, and vaccinating applicants for measles, polio, and hepatitis B if they have not already done so.
- What are recent changes?
- In early November, the State Department directed visa officers to expand the list of medical conditions that can be used to deny permission to foreign nationals who wish to enter the U.S. The list of diseases that officers are now required to consider include cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and mental illness. The guidance also asks visa officers to determine whether applicants have the financial resources to pay for medical treatment without government assistance and whether their dependents have disabilities, special needs, or chronic medical conditions that would require applicants to care for them instead of being employed. The basis for this guidance is that applicants who have chronic health issues and are seeking to immigrate to the U.S. may rely on public benefits and become a drain on the country’s health system.
- How does it impact South Asians?
- South Asians are affected by cardiovascular disease and diabetes at significantly higher rates than other races. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh rank second, third and eighth, respectively, in global diabetes rates, and South Asians have 60% of the world’s cardiovascular diseases. The State Department’s decision to use these health issues as eligibility requirements for applicants and their dependents will disproportionately affect South Asians who seek legal residency in the U.S.