Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Trump Administration May Deny Visas To Obese, Diabetic Immigrants: What We Know So Far

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Following the sharp hike in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, the <span>Trump</span> administration may soon begin rejecting visa applications from foreigners with certain health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.

While there has been no formal confirmation from <span>U.S.</span> authorities, a report by KFF Health News said a cable from the State Department to embassies and consulates listed new health-related grounds for visa denials.

<h2>Trump May Now Deny Entry to Diabetic and Obese Immigrants</h2>

According to the report, the guidance instructs visa officers to consider applicants ineligible for entry based on factors such as age and medical conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological disorders, and certain mental health conditions.

Officers have also been told to evaluate other issues such as obesity — which can contribute to high blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea, when assessing whether an applicant might become a “public charge,” or a potential financial burden on the U.S. government.

The guidance further directs officials to determine whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to pay for their care. “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?” the cable states.

It adds that individuals who could become a “public charge” — due to age or chronic health problems, may be denied entry for potentially relying on U.S. public resources.

Although the directive applies broadly to most visa categories, it is expected to primarily impact those applying for permanent residency, senior attorney Charles Wheeler told KFF Health News.

<h2>Can US Officers Reject Visas Over Health Or Financial Ability?</h2>

Visa officers have also been instructed to evaluate whether applicants can afford medical treatment independently, without relying on U.S. public funds.

Wheeler said the new rule gives officers the power to form their own opinions on what might lead to future medical emergencies or financial strain. “That’s concerning because these officers are not medically trained, have no expertise in this area, and should not be making projections based on personal judgment or bias,” Wheeler said.

<h2>US Visa Officers To Consider Health Of Applicants’ Family Members</h2>

The cable also instructs visa officers to assess the health of applicants’ family members — including children or elderly parents, when determining visa eligibility.

“Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?” the State Department communication asks.

Currently, immigrant applicants must undergo a medical examination conducted by a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy. The screening includes tests for infectious diseases, an evaluation of mental health history, substance use, and proof of vaccination against illnesses such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

However, immigration lawyer Sophia Genovese from Georgetown University noted that the new guidance expands these requirements by directing officials to weigh long-term health conditions, not just communicable diseases, when reviewing visa applications.

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Following the sharp hike in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, the Trump administration may soon begin rejecting visa applications from foreigners with certain health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.While there has been no formal confirmation from U.S. authorities, a report by KFF Health News said a cable from the State Department to embassies and consulates listed new health-related grounds for visa denials.Trump May Now Deny Entry to Diabetic and Obese ImmigrantsAccording to the report, the guidance instructs visa officers to consider applicants ineligible for entry based on factors such as age and medical conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological disorders, and certain mental health conditions.Officers have also been told to evaluate other issues such as obesity — which can contribute to high blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea, when assessing whether an applicant might become a “public charge,” or a potential financial burden on the U.S. government.The guidance further directs officials to determine whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to pay for their care. “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?” the cable states.It adds that individuals who could become a “public charge” — due to age or chronic health problems, may be denied entry for potentially relying on U.S. public resources.Although the directive applies broadly to most visa categories, it is expected to primarily impact those applying for permanent residency, senior attorney Charles Wheeler told KFF Health News.Can US Officers Reject Visas Over Health Or Financial Ability?Visa officers have also been instructed to evaluate whether applicants can afford medical treatment independently, without relying on U.S. public funds.Wheeler said the new rule gives officers the power to form their own opinions on what might lead to future medical emergencies or financial strain. “That’s concerning because these officers are not medically trained, have no expertise in this area, and should not be making projections based on personal judgment or bias,” Wheeler said.US Visa Officers To Consider Health Of Applicants’ Family MembersThe cable also instructs visa officers to assess the health of applicants’ family members — including children or elderly parents, when determining visa eligibility.“Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?” the State Department communication asks.Currently, immigrant applicants must undergo a medical examination conducted by a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy. The screening includes tests for infectious diseases, an evaluation of mental health history, substance use, and proof of vaccination against illnesses such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B.However, immigration lawyer Sophia Genovese from Georgetown University noted that the new guidance expands these requirements by directing officials to weigh long-term health conditions, not just communicable diseases, when reviewing visa applications.