In his ongoing quest against immigration, Trump is at it again with even more restrictions for immigrants. In a recent decision, the Trump administration announced that immigrant visas will be officially denied to those who cannot pay for healthcare.
As reported by @nytimes, in the latest step by #45 to continue to undermine the legal immigration, visas will be denied to all immigrants who are unable to show proof that they have health insurance or the ability to pay for any medical costs once they become permanent U.S. citizens. The official proclamation will go into effect on November 3rd, in which consular officers will be allowed to bar immigrants seeking residence in the United States unless they “will be covered by approved health insurance” or can prove that they have “the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical costs.”
Trump’s reasoning behind his new order claims that the decision is justified because legal immigrants are three times as likely as American citizens to lack health insurance, making them a burden on hospitals and taxpayers in the United States. The proclamation has reportedly been in development for several months, but it does not affect refugees, asylum seekers or students seeking to attend college in the United States, according a White House spokesperson.
Of the new order, Trump had this to say:
“The United States government is making the problem worse by admitting thousands of aliens who have not demonstrated any ability to pay for their health care costs. Immigrants who enter this country should not further saddle our health care system, and subsequently American taxpayers, with higher costs.”
Once the policy officially takes effect, those seeking visas would be asked to exhibit how they intend to cover health insurance within 30 days of U.S. arrival. Forms of proof accepted include, health care through a current job or coverage under the insurance of a relative.
If the proof they show is proved unsatisfactory, their visa will be denied by the consular office. The State Department will develop standards and rules that consular officials will follow in making the determination.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?
