Trump Administration to Require Visa Applicants Prove They Can Afford Health Care

In a proclamation issued late Friday, the White House announced that it will require immigrants to prove they have health care coverage or can afford their own medical costs when applying for U.S. visas. The measure, which officials said is aimed at restricting those who “will be a financial burden to the United States healthcare system," is set to take effect Nov. 3 and will apply to applicants for visas from abroad. It will also apply to the spouses and parents of U.S. citizens. Coverage of the announcement has been mixed, with left-leaning outlets like the New York Times calling it "the latest move by President Trump to undermine legal immigration." Right-leaning outlets and administration officials, meanwhile, described it as a means to protect taxpayers and encourage self-sufficiency among U.S. visa holders.