Trump State Department orders global visa crackdown under revived ‘public charge’ rule
FIRST ON FOX: A State Department cable obtained by Fox News Digital directs U.S. embassies worldwide to enforce sweeping new visa screening rules under the so-called "public charge" provision of...
By Fox News · Fox News
FIRST ON FOX : A State Department cable obtained by Fox News Digital directs U.S. embassies worldwide to enforce sweeping new visa screening rules under the so-called "public charge" provision of immigration law — a move that revives and expands a Trump-era standard officials say was relaxed under President Joe Biden . The guidance instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, weighing a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances and even potential need for long-term medical care. "Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy ," the cable that went out to U.S. posts across the globe on Wednesday states, "and the public charge ground of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years." Any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization could also be grounds for denial. "You must examine all aspects of the case," the guidance reads, "including the petition, visa application, medical report, affidavit of support, and any information uncovered in the course of screening and vetting." OVER 55 MILLION VISA HOLDERS SUBJECTED TO CONTINUOUS VETTING AMID TRUMP ADMIN CRACKDOWN Older visa applicants nearing retirement age are to face particular scrutiny, both for their job prospects and whether they can support themselves once they stop working. "Long-term institutionalization (e.g., at a nursing facility) can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and should be considered," the memo notes. The new guidance follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders." The cable says the order seeks to ensure "that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens." "The public charge determination is ‘in the opinion of the consular officer,’" the cable reminds, placing the burden of proof entirely on the applicant. Officers are instructed to conduct a…