The United States government has introduced new health-based criteria that could lead to visa denials for applicants suffering from conditions like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease.
According to a new directive issued by the State Department under the Trump administration, consular officers have been instructed to assess whether foreign nationals might become a “public charge” — meaning individuals who could depend on government-funded healthcare or assistance.
The guidelines, sent via cable to American embassies and consulates, were reported by KFF Health News in Washington.
Traditionally, visa screenings have focused on communicable diseases, vaccination records, and mental health. However, the new rules broaden the scope to include chronic non-communicable conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, and neurological illnesses.
The cable reportedly states: “Certain medical conditions—including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions—can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.”
Visa officers are now required to determine whether applicants can afford such medical expenses without relying on public aid.
Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the policy, while applicable to all visa types, will most likely affect those applying for permanent residency.
“It’s troubling,” he noted, “because visa officers aren’t medically trained and could make decisions based on limited knowledge or personal bias.”
The directive also asks officers to consider the health of dependents, including children or elderly family members, and evaluate whether such responsibilities could affect the applicant’s ability to work.
Immigration attorney Sophia Genovese from Georgetown University criticized the move, saying it allows visa officers to “speculate” on healthcare costs and job potential, introducing uncertainty and subjectivity into an already complex process.
