Trump Administration Expands Visa Denial Reasons to Include Health Issues
The White House has issued new instructions requiring visa officers to assess common health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, when determining immigrant eligibility for entry into the U.S. Experts question the legality of this measure.
Details of the New Guidance
Foreign nationals applying for U.S. visas may now be denied if they have certain medical problems, including diabetes or obesity, according to a directive released Thursday by the Trump administration.
This guidance was communicated via a State Department cable to embassy and consular staff, analyzed by KFF Health News. It instructs officers to consider applicants ineligible based on multiple new factors, including age and the likelihood of relying on public benefits.
Concerns Over "Public Charge" Status
The directive emphasizes that individuals with certain health conditions or advanced age might become a “public charge,” seen as a potential burden on U.S. resources.
“The guidance states that such people could become a ‘public charge’ — a potential drain on U.S. resources — because of their health issues or age.”
Expansion of Health Evaluations
While health assessments have long been part of the visa process—covering communicable diseases like tuberculosis and vaccination records—the new rules significantly broaden the scope of medical conditions considered.
Visa officers are granted increased discretion to deny immigration based on an applicant’s health status, according to experts.
Context of the Directive
This health-based screening is part of the Trump administration’s broader, strict immigration policies aimed at deporting unauthorized immigrants and deterring future entries.
“The directive is part of the Trump administration’s divisive and aggressive campaign to deport immigrants living without authorization in the U.S. and dissuade others from immigrating into the country.”
Summary
The Trump administration’s new visa policies add health conditions like obesity and diabetes as grounds for visa denial, expanding medical scrutiny in immigration decisions and reflecting its tough stance on controlling immigration.