They are looking for AIDS, syphilis, tb or evidence of drug abuse. If any of these is present, the residency application will be rejected. Every country in the world requires good health as a condition for immigration. For immigrants to the U.S. at the turn of the century, the most dreaded moment at Ellis Island was the medical examination: an X on the coat meant a return voyage to Europe.

This year our firm had two applicants testing positive on drugs. Both allege that it was a mistake and we are having a very hard time just getting the authorities to allow a second test. They wanted to deport them immediately.