The US State Department last week sent guidance to US embassies and consulates so that certain medical conditions, such as obesity and chronic diseases, be considered as factors for possible visa denials.
According to information from the KFF Health News website, the guideline applies to almost all visa applicants, but will likely only be followed in cases where people seek permanent residency in the US.
The idea is to avoid “public costs” due to health problems of foreigners who want to live in the country.
“You must consider the health of the applicant,” the guidance says. “Certain medical conditions — including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes, metabolic disease, neurological disease, and mental health disorders — can require treatments costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
The guideline also mentions obesity, highlighting that this condition “can cause asthma, sleep apnea and hypertension”.
According to KFF Health News, the statement also advises evaluating whether to deny visas based on other reasons, such as age or the applicant’s likelihood of relying on social benefits.
In a statement sent to Fox News on Tuesday (11), Tommy Pigott, chief deputy spokesman for the State Department, confirmed the content of the directive.
“It’s no secret that the Trump administration is prioritizing the interests of the American people,” Pigott said. “This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.”
