Trump administration to deny visas to immigrants with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease

"The Trump administration ordered the State Department to deny visas to foreigners for reasons such as age and pre-existing conditions like diabetes and obesity. According to Washington, these applicants have a high probability of becoming a public charge due to their health problems. In recent months, plans to discourage more foreigners from coming to the country have included bonds of up to $15,000 for travelers from certain countries,"

"The new guidance, which will be implemented starting in January 2026, was published in a cable sent by the State Department to embassy and consulate officials around the world in early November. The new rules require that the immigrant's health and certain medical conditions including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological diseases, and mental disorders be taken into account, as these may require medical care worth hundreds of thousands of dollars."

"Immigrants applying for a visa to live permanently in the United States must undergo a medical examination conducted by a government-approved healthcare professional. All applicants are tested for infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, and are required to complete a form declaring any history of drug or alcohol use, mental health problems, or violence. They must also indicate whether they have received vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B."

New U.S. visa guidance expands medical examinations for immigrants and adds numerous non-infectious medical conditions to admissibility considerations, including cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, diabetes, metabolic, neurological, and mental disorders. Officials may deny visas based on age, pre-existing conditions, or perceived likelihood of becoming a public charge due to anticipated medical costs. The guidance was issued via a State Department cable and will take effect in January 2026. Immigrants seeking permanent residency must undergo exams by government-approved providers, be tested for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, disclose drug, alcohol, or mental health histories, and report vaccinations like measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

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