US may refuse visas to foreigners with health conditions like diabetes, obesity: Report

The Trump administration has introduced new guidelines that could result in visa denials for foreign nationals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, according to a report by KFFHealth News.

The policy change, communicated through a State Department cable to embassy and consular officials, instructs visa officers to evaluate whether applicants with certain medical conditions might become dependent on public benefits or strain US resources if granted entry.

The directive identifies a broad range of health concerns that could affect visa decisions, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and mental health issues.

The cable emphasizes that these conditions "can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care."

Visa officers are now encouraged to consider additional factors such as obesity, which the guidance notes can lead to complications like asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension—all requiring potentially costly long-term treatment.

Under the new instructions, officers must assess whether applicants possess adequate financial resources to cover medical expenses throughout their lifetime without accessing public assistance or government-funded long-term care facilities.

The policy extends beyond individual applicants to include family members.

Officers are directed to evaluate whether dependents—including children or elderly parents—have disabilities, chronic conditions, or special needs that could prevent the primary applicant from maintaining employment.

While health assessments have historically been part of visa processing, primarily focusing on communicable diseases like tuberculosis and vaccination records, immigration experts say these new guidelines represent a significant expansion in scope.

Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, notes that although the directive technically applies to nearly all visa categories, it will likely be enforced primarily for applicants seeking permanent residency in the United States.