In a major shake-up of U.S. immigration policy, the Trump administration has reportedly introduced new State Department guidelines that could deny entry to foreign nationals classified as obese. The change, aimed at reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers, signals a stronger focus on applicants’ health conditions during the visa screening process.
According to reports cited by Fox News, these updated rules don’t stop at obesity. They also include other serious health concerns such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and certain mental health disorders. Visa officers are now being instructed to give greater consideration to medical issues that could lead to high healthcare costs once immigrants settle in the U.S.
Health Now a Key Factor in Visa Decisions
A letter sent to U.S. embassies around the world reportedly outlines how visa officers should evaluate an applicant’s health when deciding eligibility. Conditions such as obesity, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease are listed among those that could trigger visa denials. Officials are also urged to assess whether applicants can afford their medical expenses without relying on public assistance or long-term government-funded care.
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