State Department to allow denial of immigrant visas to those with health issues, including obesity
Applicants who aren’t able to pay for medical treatment without help from the US government could also be rejected. kinomaster – stock.adobe.com
Immigrants applying for U.S. visas could face rejection if they have certain common medical conditions, including obesity, cancer, or diabetes, according to reports.
The guidance comes from a State Department cable sent to embassy and consular officials, directing visa officers to assess applicants based on health, age, and the likelihood they might rely on public assistance. The directive was reviewed by KFF Health News.
“You must consider an applicant’s health,” the cable states. “Certain medical conditions — including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions — can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care.”
Visa officers are also advised to consider obesity, which can contribute to additional health problems such as asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. All immigrants and refugees entering the U.S. are already required to undergo a medical examination.
While it is standard for visa officers to screen for contagious diseases like tuberculosis and review vaccination histories, the new guidance significantly expands the scope of medical screening, potentially allowing officers to deny visas based on an applicant’s health risks.
The directive frames certain medical conditions as potentially making applicants a “public charge” who could place financial strain on U.S. resources. It also suggests officers evaluate whether applicants can afford medical treatment for themselves and their dependents without government assistance. “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?” the cable asks.
Officers are instructed to assess each case individually, taking into account the applicant’s ability to work and provide for dependents. The guidance applies to all visa applicants but is expected to be most relevant for those seeking permanent residence. A State Department official told The Hill that decisions are based on the “overall impact” of someone’s medical and financial situation, not solely on the presence of a medical condition.
The State Department did not immediately respond to The Post for comment.
Globally, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, claiming about 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, one in eight people worldwide was living with obesity, and adult obesity rates have doubled since 1990. In the U.S., adult obesity rates were approximately 40.3 percent between 2021 and 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
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