TL/DR –
U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to consider denying visas to people suffering from chronic health issues, including obesity. The U.S. State Department’s directive reportedly encourages visa officers to consider the financial resources of applicants to cover their health care costs, to stop them from becoming a burden on the American taxpayer. The instructions are thought to align with long-standing U.S. immigration policy and the “public-charge” provision of immigration law.
U.S. Embassy May Deny Visas to People with Chronic Health Conditions
A recent directive to U.S. embassies and consulates advises officials to consider denying visas to individuals with chronic health issues. Conditions like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, and obesity are named in these guidelines sent by the U.S. State Department.
The guidelines, according to KFF Health News, encourage visa officers to assess whether applicants can cover their medical costs without seeking public cash assistance. Self-sufficiency, the guidelines note, has been a key principle of U.S. immigration policy for over 100 years.
This new directive was confirmed by Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson, who affirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the U.S. immigration system doesn’t burden American taxpayers. This sentiment echoed the Trump administration’s visa crackdown, which revived the ‘public charge’ rule in immigration law.
According to Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), non-citizen immigrants are more likely to be uninsured than U.S. citizens. In 2023, it was found that one in five lawfully present immigrant adults were uninsured. As there’s no federal insurance mandate for work visas like H-1B, coverage usually depends on the employer or individual.
The administrative cable sent in January stressed the importance of a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each case, considering the ‘totality of the applicant’s circumstances’. Current law allows for visa denials if an applicant is deemed likely to become a public charge. Lora Ries, Heritage Foundation border security and immigration center director, noted that inability to show they can cover potential medical costs could indicate a high risk of becoming a public charge, warranting visa refusal.
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, linked obesity to costly chronic health problems, potentially burdening an already strained health system. A medical exam is required for all immigrants and refugees, with screenings for contagious diseases and vaccination histories commonplace.
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