The Biden administration has revoked Presidential Proclamation 9945 of October 4, 2019 – Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Will Financially Burden the United States Healthcare System, in Order To Protect the Availability of Healthcare Benefits for Americans (PP 9945).
PP 9945 was issued by the Trump administration and intended to suspend the entry of immigrants found to be a financial burden on the U.S. health care system. Per the proclamation, outside of very limited exceptions, individuals applying for an immigrant visa, including a diversity visa (i.e., the green card lottery), on or after Nov. 3, 2019, must demonstrate to the consular officer at the time of immigrant visa interview that they will be covered by approved health insurance within 30 days of their entry into the United States or have the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable medical costs. Under the Proclamation, inability to meet this requirement will result in the denial of the immigrant visa application.
President Biden revoked Proclamation 9945 on May 14, 2021, on the grounds that it “does not advance” the interests of the U.S. in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for noncitizens. Additionally, President Biden has stated that Proclamation 9945 is also in tension with the policy set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 14012, issued on Feb. 6, 2021, “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.”
President Biden also stated that the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will review any regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any other similar agency actions developed pursuant to Proclamation 9945 and, as appropriate, issue revised guidance consistent with the policy set forth in this proclamation.