The U.S. State Department has instructed overseas missions to consider obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other health conditions as grounds for visa denials. This directive, part of President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce immigration, is based on the public charge rule. The Washington Post reported it, citing a November 6 State Department cable.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed U.S. consulates and embassies via a November 6 State Department cable to consider applicants' health in visa decisions. The directive falls under the public charge rule, which allows denial of visas or green cards if an applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the U.S. government for subsistence.
The cable states: 'You must consider an applicant's health.' It adds: '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.' Officers are also advised to factor in obesity, which can lead to sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and clinical depression.
Additionally, the guidance urges considering ineligibility based on factors like being beyond retirement age and the number of dependents, such as children or elderly parents. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed: 'It is no secret that the Trump administration is putting the interests of the American people first. This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.' This was in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency.
Under Trump's 'America First' policy, the administration has tightened immigration rules, enhanced border security, and pledged to cut taxpayer waste. The move is expected to toughen screening for visa applicants, including South Koreans seeking to emigrate to the U.S.