Trump administration to deny visas to immigrants with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The measure significantly expands the medical examinations performed on foreigners, and gives officials broad discretion to reject applicants based on their age and medical history
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, a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa workers, and the denial of applications based on the discovery of “anti-American views,” among other measures.
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.
The new directive not only significantly expands the list of medical conditions to be considered, but also grants immigration officials greater power to accept or deny visas based solely on the applicant’s health status and their ability to afford medical treatment 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.
Officials will draw their own conclusions about what could potentially lead to medical emergencies or healthcare expenses in the future. In this regard, a report by KFF Health News states that Washington’s directive contradicts the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual, which states that personnel cannot reject an application based on hypothetical scenarios. Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), warns in the same report that this change is “troubling because they’re not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldn’t be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias.”
The directive also calls on officials to take into consideration the health of the applicant’s family, including children or elderly parents. “Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?” is another question included in the cable.
Another controversial point is that both visa officers and doctors examining prospective immigrants may speculate on the cost of treating the applicant’s medical conditions and their ability to obtain employment in the U.S. that would allow them to purchase health insurance covering potential medical treatment.
Approximately 10% of the world’s population suffers from diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. In this context, Washington’s measure will block the arrival of more immigrants to the United States.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition