Biden revoked Trump order requiring health insurance for visa issuance

A green card specimen. USCIS

President Biden has revoked a Trump-era order that banned immigrants from obtaining visas if they couldn’t prove they could obtain health insurance or pay for health care.

The Trump era order denied visas to those seeking entry into the U.S. who were deemed a “financial burden” on the health care system. Biden, in a proclamation announcing the rollback, said the policy did not “advance the interests” of the nation.

The order came as he welcomed a group of “Dreamers” to the White House on Friday May 14, 2021,

“My Administration is committed to expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare,” Biden’s proclamation states. “We can achieve that objective, however, without barring the entry of noncitizens who seek to immigrate lawfully to this country but who lack significant financial means or have not purchased health insurance coverage from a restrictive list of qualifying plans.”

“President Biden reiterated his support for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and other essential immigrant workers,” the White House said in a readout. “The President and the Dreamers also discussed the continued need for immigration reform and the White House’s strong support for the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, two bills that have already passed the House with bipartisan support and are awaiting action in the Senate.”

Biden recently tweeted that it is “long past time Congress pass the U.S. Citizenship Act,” the name for his immigration proposal.

The meeting, which was not open to the press, represents an effort by Biden to demonstrate that immigration reform is a priority, even as he is primarily focused on negotiating with lawmakers on his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan. Biden held two meetings with lawmakers this week, both of which included Republicans, in pursuit of a potential bipartisan agreement on infrastructure.

In a related development DACA recipients won a court case allowing them to travel abroad with a guarantee that they can come back legally.

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During the months of March and April 2021, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, three adjustment of status and two removal of conditional residence applications.

Note: This is not a legal advice and this article is for information purposes only.  You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.