Tuberculosis and Pregnancy: Two Conditions Examined for the US Immigration Medical Examination Procedure.
In the United States there are USCIS – Green Card Designated Immigration Doctors. It should be noted that the immigration medical exam is a mandatory part of the entire immigration journey, be it for the green card or for any adjustment of status.
In this article we will look at two conditions and how they are managed during the exam: a) Tuberculosis and b) Pregnancy.
a) Tuberculosis: There are some diseases that are considered “prime suspects” and these include infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. All applicants who are 2 years of age or older must undergo what is known as a TB skin test: the green card immigration doctor will test applicants under the age of 2 for suspected or history of TB of TB in the family, that is, a history of the disease in the family, or if there is any other reason to suspect the presence of the disease.
Once the skin test has been carried out, the applicant must return to the doctor within 2 to 3 days to obtain the medical reports. If a reaction of 4 mm or less is found, no further testing for the disease will be required, with the exception of the presence of TB symptoms or if the applicant is immunosuppressed. When the skin test reaction is 5 mm or greater, a chest X-ray is required for such applicants. This will be necessary even for pregnant women, if they are found to have a reaction of more than 5 mm.
If the immigration doctor finds the applicant to be infected with TB, then they might be referred to the local health department, where further testing may need to be carried out.
Those with class A disease must complete a full course of treatment before receiving medical clearance from USCIS. Only then can the applicant obtain adjustment of status.
b) Pregnancy: There are many applicants on the immigration path who are trying to obtain green card status or adjustment status, even if they are trying to get pregnant or if their spouse is expecting.
The green card immigration doctor would recommend a chest X-ray for the pregnant applicant if she tests positive during the tuberculin skin test. However, if the immigration doctor considers that it is not safe for the applicant to undergo an X-ray, he will have to wait until the specified time.
Also, vaccines like MMR cannot be given during this time. The applicant will only be given the stipulated vaccinations and will be required to visit the doctor after delivery.