Foreigners submitting visa applications to the United States could now face rejection if they have certain health conditions, including obesity or diabetes. The new policy, introduced by the Trump administration, expands the medical factors that can influence visa decisions.
According to the directive issued to US embassies and consulates, visa officers must now assess whether an applicant’s health or age could make them a potential “public charge” — someone likely to depend on government assistance. The guidance specifically lists cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, neurological and metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions as possible concerns.
Experts warn that the new rules give visa officers greater discretion to deny visa applications based on medical history. Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the policy requires officials “to make medical judgments without formal training.” He added that the approach could lead to inconsistent or unfair decisions.
The updated guidance also directs officers to consider the health of an applicant’s family members, including children and elderly dependents. Officials are instructed to determine whether applicants can afford long-term healthcare for themselves and their families without relying on government aid.
While previous visa applications were evaluated mainly for communicable diseases or vaccination compliance, this policy goes much further. Sophia Genovese, an immigration lawyer at Georgetown University, said that chronic illnesses have now become a key factor in visa outcomes. “It asks officers to predict future medical expenses and employment impacts, which is highly speculative,” she explained.
Critics argue the policy could unfairly target people with common conditions like diabetes and heart disease, which affect millions worldwide. Immigration advocates say the move is part of a broader effort to restrict legal immigration to the US.
The State Department has not yet issued an official comment on the implementation timeline for these new rules.
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