Understanding Immigration Law and Practice (Aspen College Series)

by Ayodele Gansallo

The health-related grounds generally encompass communicable diseases or mental health disorders that may create a danger to the general public. INA §212(a)(1) states that any foreign national who has any of the following health issues is inadmissible: ■ A communicable disease of public health significance, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Such diseases include leprosy or active tuberculosis. The type of communicable diseases that can render a foreign national inadmissible may change over time.10 For example, HIV infection had been included until 2008, when it was removed from the list. ■ Without vaccinations required for those seeking to be LPRs.11 There is a list of vaccine-preventable diseases for which inoculations are recommended. ■ A physical or mental disorder and behavior that may pose or has posed a threat to property, safety, or welfare of the foreign national or others.12 ■ Is or has been a drug abuser or drug addict.13