US reinstates ‘public charge’ rule, tightening visa scrutiny for immigrants worldwide

Trump’s return to office brings back the restrictive ‘public charge’ visa policy, expanding grounds for denial based on income and medical conditions

PGurus Newsdesk

November 8, 2025

The revived policy empowers U.S. officials to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public assistance

US reinstates ‘public charge’ rule, tightening global visa scrutiny

The United States State Department has instructed all its embassies and consulates around the world to implement new visa screening procedures under the long-standing “public charge” provision of immigration law — a move that marks a return to stricter Trump-era policies.

The directive empowers consular officials to deny visas or permanent residency to any applicant deemed likely to become a “public charge,” meaning a person who may depend on government assistance for basic needs such as healthcare, housing, or financial support.

According to an internal communication obtained by Fox News, the State Department emphasized that “self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy”, noting that the provision has existed in immigration law for over a century.

A return to Trump-era standards

The new order effectively revives and expands the version of the public charge rule first introduced during Donald Trump’s first term in office.

Those rules were rolled back under Former President Joe Biden, who sought to make the immigration system more inclusive and less restrictive.

With Trump’s return to the White House in early 2025, the policy has now been reinstated with broader discretion for visa officers.

Health, finances, and language proficiency to be key factors

The cable instructs officers to “examine all aspects of each case”, including the applicant’s health, age, financial status, English proficiency, and medical history.
Applications may be denied if the individual is likely to require long-term medical care or public benefits, or if they have previously received government cash assistance.

The order also specifies that chronic health conditions could weigh against an applicant.
Citing ABC News, experts said that medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity could now be factors in visa denials, alongside communicable diseases like tuberculosis.

Expanded medical scrutiny raises concern

While medical screening has long been part of the U.S. visa process, immigration lawyers argue that the expanded scope of health-based rejections could make it harder for many applicants, particularly those seeking permanent residency or family reunification visas.

Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said that while the rules apply broadly, they will most likely affect green card applicants.

“The guidance applies to almost all visa categories, but its impact will be most severe for those trying to settle permanently in the U.S.,” Wheeler said.

Broader implications

The reinstatement of the public charge rule comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten U.S. immigration standards, emphasizing economic self-reliance and national security.

Critics argue the move could disproportionately impact low-income applicants and those from developing countries.

However, supporters maintain that the policy will ensure responsible immigration and reduce the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers.

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