Trump orders stricter US visa rules targeting applicants with cancer, obesity and neurosis
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump has developed new rules for issuing US visas to foreign nationals. Now, people with cancer, obesity, and various chronic illnesses may be denied a visa, according to The Washington Post.
Which medical conditions could prevent getting a US visa
The Trump administration has ordered that obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental disorders, and other chronic conditions be treated as potential grounds for visa denial.
The corresponding directive from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sent on November 6 to all American consulates and embassies worldwide. It requires visa officers to assess applicants’ health conditions and consider how much their treatment could become a financial burden for the US.
“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,” the document states.
It is separately emphasized that obesity may be grounds for a visa denial because it causes sleep apnea, hypertension, and clinical depression.
Applicants likely to seek social benefits may also be denied
The new guidelines also require consular officers to consider an applicant’s age, number of dependents, and whether they have a disability or special needs.
The document was adopted under the so-called public charge rule, which prohibits issuing visas to those who are likely to rely on government social programs or require financial support from the government.
The changes apply to both temporary visas and applications for permanent residence. At the same time, they do not extend to certain humanitarian programs — although most of those have already been reduced or shut down by the Trump administration.
Human rights groups criticize the decision
Immigration lawyers have already condemned the Trump administration’s move, calling it a dangerous expansion of consular authority that allows denials even for common health conditions that have never been considered disqualifying.
However, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said that for a hundred years, State Department policy has allowed officers to deny applicants who may become a financial burden on taxpayers. According to her, the Trump administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, putting Americans first.
Critics note that the document was prepared by the political leadership of the US State Department without involvement from career diplomats, and that the new criteria go beyond the standards of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which require screening only for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or syphilis.
According to WHO data, in 2022, 16% of the world’s adult population had obesity, and 14% had diabetes.
Previous US visa changes
In September, the US introduced new rules for obtaining non-immigrant visas. From now on, applications must be submitted only in the applicant’s country of citizenship or permanent residence.
We also reported that beginning in 2026, an additional fee of 250 dollars will be charged for each US non-immigrant visa. As a result, the total cost of obtaining a tourist visa may rise significantly.
In addition, the US will review millions of visas issued to foreign nationals. Those found to be in violation will be deported from the country.
