Dr. Benjamin is correct that H-1Bs aren’t required to be screened for TB, but he is wrong that the State Dept. changed their policy — H-1B nonimmigrants have never been required to be screened for infectious diseases, although some employers may ask that their H-1Bs be tested.
Believe it or not, there is a rationale to justify the avoidance of screening H-1Bs for TB. To understand the reasoning, however flawed it may be, it has to be understood that nonimmigrants, on temporary visas, and immigrants, who seek permanent residency, are considered very differently. H-1B visas are nonimmigrant, which in theory means that they come to this country temporarily and therefore are considered a lower risk of being a disease vector than a permanent immigrant.
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