US Revives Tough ‘Public Charge’ Visa Rules Under Trump’s Immigration Policy:

The U.S. State Department has issued new instructions to embassies worldwide to strictly enforce the “public charge” rule — a policy that allows visa officers to deny entry or residency to anyone who might depend on government assistance. The move marks a return to Donald Trump’s earlier immigration agenda, reinstating rules that had been softened during Joe Biden’s presidency. According to a State Department cable cited by Fox News, the decision is part of Trump’s renewed effort to ensure that immigrants coming to the U.S. are financially self-sufficient. Focus on Self-Reliance and Health The State Department said self-sufficiency has long been a “core principle” of U.S. immigration policy, noting that the public charge clause has existed in law for more than a century. Under the new guidance, consular officers must examine every aspect of a visa application — including age, health, English skills, financial background, and need for medical care — before approval. Officers have also been told to review past records of public assistance or institutional care as possible indicators that an applicant could become a financial burden. “You must examine all aspects of the case,” the memo stated, calling for deeper scrutiny during screening and vetting. Health Conditions Could Affect Visa Decisions While health checks have always been part of the visa process, the updated guidelines expand the list of medical conditions that could influence decisions. Reports from ABC News suggest that even non-communicable conditions like diabetes and obesity might now be considered risk factors. Immigration experts warn that these changes could make it harder for thousands of applicants, especially those with chronic illnesses or limited financial means, to qualify for U.S. visas. Criticism from Advocates Immigration rights groups have raised alarms over the policy, saying it could unfairly penalize low-income applicants and people with health challenges. Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the measure will likely affect permanent residency applicants most. “This is one of the most restrictive interpretations of the public charge rule we’ve seen,” he said. A Clear Policy Shift The reinstatement of the rule represents a sharp shift from Biden-era reforms that focused on inclusion and humanitarian considerations. Under Trump’s renewed leadership, the U.S. immigration system is once again prioritizing economic self-reliance and reduced dependency on public aid. For many would-be immigrants, this means facing stricter screening, deeper financial scrutiny, and tougher medical evaluations — a clear signal that the U.S. is tightening its gates once again.

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