The United States has reinstated and expanded its controversial “public charge” rule, meaning visa applicants worldwide will face tougher financial and health checks.
This policy, part of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration agenda, makes it harder to get temporary visas or permanent residency if you might rely on government welfare in the future.
What the Rule Means for Visa Applicants
According to the US State Department, self-sufficiency is a key principle of US immigration law.
Visa officers can now deny applications if they believe an applicant may need public assistance in the future.
Officers will evaluate several factors:
Age and overall health
English language skills
Employment status and financial independence
Previous use of government benefits
Long-term medical needs
This policy revives the Trump-era rule, which was rolled back during President Biden’s term, and signals a tougher approach to immigration following Trump’s 2025 re-election.
Health Conditions Can Affect Visa Approval
The new rule also expands health-related disqualifiers. Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses may now be considered risk factors for visa denial.
Previously, medical checks focused mainly on communicable diseases like tuberculosis and vaccination compliance.
Experts warn that the updated guidelines could particularly impact lower-income applicants and green card seekers, who must now prove both economic stability and good health.
Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the rule “will apply broadly” but may hit permanent residency applicants the hardest, as they need to provide detailed financial and medical documentation.
A Return to Trump-Era Immigration Controls
The public charge rule reinforces the idea that the US prefers immigrants who can “stand on their own feet” financially and medically.
This policy represents a major reversal of Biden-era immigration reforms and could affect applicants from developing countries, including India, who may now face stricter scrutiny during the visa process.
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