Fresh immigration measures announced by the United States government may prevent foreign nationals with long-term medical conditions from securing visas or permanent residency.
Under the revised guidelines issued by President Donald Trump’s administration, the definition of who qualifies as a “public charge” has been expanded to include people whose health conditions could require extensive medical spending.
A State Department cable distributed to US embassies and consulates worldwide directs visa officers to scrutinise applicants whose medical needs could lead to “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in healthcare costs.
Among the conditions highlighted in the document are diabetes, heart disease, cancers, respiratory problems, neurological and metabolic disorders, as well as mental health challenges.
Obesity is also listed as a possible basis for denial, with officials noting that the condition is often linked to costly complications such as hypertension, sleep apnea, and asthma.
Unlike previous screening procedures, which concentrated mainly on infectious diseases like tuberculosis, the updated policy shifts attention to chronic illnesses as a key factor in visa decisions.
Immigration experts at the US-based Murthy Law Firm say the directive marks the first time that an applicant’s long-term health status is being strongly tied to their economic worth and immigration eligibility.
For now, it remains uncertain whether the policy will affect short-term visa categories, including visitor (B1/B2) and student (F1) visas.
