Trump Administration Tightens Global Visa Rules Under Revived ‘Public Charge’ Policy | World News

The United States has issued sweeping new visa screening directives under its revived “public charge” rule, ordering embassies around the world to impose stricter standards in assessing applicants’ financial independence and health status.

The rule allows immigration officials to deny visas or permanent residence permits to people deemed likely to become “public charges,” meaning they may rely on government welfare or assistance.

“Self-sufficiency has been a long-standing principle of U.S. immigration policy…and the public charge of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years,” according to a memo from the U.S. State Department cited by Fox News.

The latest directive reinstates and expands measures first introduced during Donald Trump’s previous term and rolled back under President Joe Biden. Since Trump’s return to power in early 2025, his administration has sought to tighten immigration norms once again.

Under the new rules, consular officers are instructed to deny visas to applicants deemed to be in the public interest, taking into account factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial situation and long-term medical needs. The official cable also states that “all aspects of the case” must be reviewed before a decision is made, including visa applications, medical reports, statements of support and any previous use of government assistance.

Health Conditions of Newly Disqualified Persons

ABC News reported that the rules could lead to visa applications being denied due to health problems such as diabetes or obesity. While health screening, previously focused on infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and vaccination history, has long been part of the visa process, experts say the list of disqualifying conditions has now been expanded.

Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the policy would apply broadly to visa applicants, but the biggest impact would be on those seeking permanent residence.

The move marks a significant tightening of US immigration procedures and reinforces the Trump administration’s emphasis on self-reliance and stricter eligibility criteria for entering the country.