The United States has tightened its visa policy again. The Trump administration has expanded rejection criteria to include people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The move aims to block those who may “burden” the US healthcare system.
New Directive Targets Chronic Illnesses
KFF Health News reviewed the updated guidance sent to US consular officers. It instructs them to consider not only infectious diseases but also long-term illnesses that may require costly treatment or ongoing care.
Obesity Now a Visa Red Flag
The directive lists conditions such as cancer, respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, diabetes, and even mental health issues. Obesity has been specifically flagged, with officers told to consider its potential for expensive healthcare in the future.
Entire Families at Risk of Rejection
The new rule doesn’t stop at individual applicants. If a family member needs regular medical attention, the entire visa application can be rejected. This change raises concern for families seeking permanent residence in the US.
Immigration Lawyers Sound Alarm
While visa applicants already disclose health details and undergo embassy medical checks, experts say this guidance is harsher. It even allows officers without medical training to decide how serious an illness is during interviews.
India Among the Most Affected
India has more than 200 million diabetic patients, accounting for 26% of the global total. Under this aggressive rule, millions of Indians may now face rejection when applying for US visas due to health-related concerns.
