Immigrants with obesity, diabetes and other health problems may be denied visas

"Foreigners seeking visas to live in the U.S. might be rejected if they have certain medical conditions, including diabetes or obesity, under a directive issued last week by the Trump administration. The guidance, issued in a cable the State Department sent to embassy and consular officials and examined by KFF Health News, directs visa officers to deem applicants ineligible to enter the U.S. for several new reasons, including age or the likelihood they might rely on public benefits."

"While assessing the health of potential immigrants has been part of the visa application process for years, including screening for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and obtaining vaccine history, experts said the new guidelines greatly expand the list of medical conditions to be considered and give visa officers more power to make decisions about immigration based on an applicant's health status."

"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. The White House's crusade to push out immigrants has included daily mass arrests, bans on refugees from certain countries, and plans to severely restrict the total number permitted into the U.S."

The Trump administration issued guidance directing visa officers to deem applicants ineligible for U.S. entry based on certain medical conditions and the likelihood of relying on public benefits. The guidance instructs consular officers to consider age and health factors and labels those who might depend on benefits as potential "public charges." Medical screening, previously focused on communicable diseases and vaccine history, now can include chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, obesity, and mental or metabolic impairments. The guidance expands officer discretion in immigration decisions and will most likely be applied to applicants seeking permanent residence. The policy aligns with a broader enforcement campaign restricting immigration.

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