U.S. visa screening rule targets applicants with chronic illnesses

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Foreigners seeking U.S. visas could face rejection based on medical conditions under a new screening rule issued by the State Department.

The directive sent to U.S. embassies instructs visa officers to flag applicants with chronic illnesses or health conditions, including mental illness, diabetes or cancer, who could be considered a “public charge.”

The policy targets anyone who could potentially drain U.S. resources due to their health issues or age.

Laredo immigration attorney Nelly Vielma criticized the new rule. “Now they want you to fit the status quo and the fitness pattern that they want, and this is ridiculous. I have never heard of anything like that in any country,” Vielma said.

The State Department cable instructs visa officers at U.S. embassies and con