President Trump’s administration is set to restrict the issuance of visas for those who may rely on public medical benefits and become a “public charge.”
By Jesus Garcia
Los Angeles, November 8 (La Opinion).- The evaluation of visas of USAincluding migratory ones, such as Green Cardwill contemplate the age y health status of a person, so officials will reject those who, due to such conditions, may be susceptible to depending on the government.
A report of KFF Health Newsa recognized health information agency, indicates that the State Department issued a directive that officials who review requests for visas evaluate specific conditions that could lead to rejection of permission: medical conditions, obesity o diabetes.
The directive was sent to officials at embassies and consulates, where tourist and business visas are processed, but some applications for Legal Permanent Residence or Green Card are also reviewed, among other permits to enter and stay in the United States.
“[Se indica a] “Visa officers may declare applicants ‘ineligible’ to enter the United States for new reasons, including age or the likelihood that they would become dependent on public benefits,” the report states. KFF.
There is a particular mention of those people who can become a “public charge”, that is, who request social assistance that represents expenses for the federal government, due to their health situation or age.
This new directive follows President Donald Trump’s decision during his first term in office, when he attempted to implement a Public Charge Rule, but it was suspended and then canceled by President Joe Biden’s administration.
BREAKING: Common health conditions such as obesity and diabetes could prevent immigrants from obtaining U.S. visas under guidance the Trump administration issued Nov. 6.
— KFF Health News (@KFFHealthNews) November 7, 2025
The new order increases some of the conditions specified in the rule of the first Trump administration.
“While assessing the health status of potential migrants has been part of the visa application process for years […] “Experts said the new guidelines significantly expand the list of medical conditions to consider,” confirms KFF. “And they give officers more power to make immigration decisions based on the applicant’s health.”
And the new public charge rule?
The State Department guideline is different from the public charge rule – although they may be unified in the future – which is already under review by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which presented a proposed regulation to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), confirmed The Opinion.
The exact content of the new proposal is unknown, but taking into consideration the new directive to embassies and consulates, the grounds for inadmissibility of migrants could be harsher than those issued in 2019, when the types of public benefits whose acceptance could negatively affect a Green Card applicant were expanded and required detailed financial information and documentation for all applicants, in addition to new requirements for some non-immigrants.
When OMB completes the review, DHS must publish it in the Federal Register for public comment for at least 60 days, after which a new document will be issued.
The previous rule was implemented for a short period, due to legal challenges from organizations that defend the rights of migrants, although Republicans tried to resume it in 2023, something that the Supreme Court rejected.
Currently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers may consider long-term applications for welfare benefits, including Medicaid or food stamps, as one element in evaluating whether or not an immigrant should obtain a Green Card.
USCIS also made modifications even for migrant sponsors, that is, people who assume financial responsibility for those who request stay protections.