According to the proclamation, visa applicants must either possess approved health insurance or prove they have adequate financial resources to cover anticipated medical expenses. However, specific financial thresholds for uninsured immigrants have not been disclosed. Notably, subsidized health insurance plans available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will not qualify under the new regulations.
The proclamation states that many immigrants fail to demonstrate the ability to cover their healthcare costs, contributing to rising expenses borne by American taxpayers. Data indicates that lawful immigrants are approximately three times more likely than U.S. citizens to lack health insurance. Larry Johnson, a healthcare policy expert, pointed out the dilemma for low-income immigrants: though they qualify for subsidized health coverage, applying for it could jeopardize their legal status in the country.
This new requirement could also significantly affect the hundreds of thousands of individuals who migrate to the U.S. annually on immigrant visas with the hope of later obtaining permanent residency. Notably, this rule will not apply to refugees or immigrants who are granted asylum, nor to the children of U.S. citizens.
The proclamation asserts that the financial burden placed on the U.S. healthcare system by immigrants unable to afford medical care has resulted in costs exceeding $35 billion annually over the past decade. This announcement follows a recent regulation that requires prospective immigrants to show they will not depend on public benefits, such as Medicaid, to qualify for entry into the United States.
The proclamation clearly states, “Entry into the United States as immigrants… who will financially burden the United States healthcare system is hereby suspended.”
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Summary
President Trump’s new proclamation restricts visa issuance for immigrants unable to afford health insurance, requiring proof of financial stability or insurance coverage. This regulation, which does not apply to refugees or the children of U.S. citizens, is designed to reduce the burden on the U.S. healthcare system.