10.11.2025
The United States government under President Trump is planning to prevent visa applicants with underlying medical conditions from entering the country.
According to the Trump administration individuals with chronic illness that could be treated and paid for by public funding will not be allowed into the country. These include diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, among other chronic illnesses.
A directive sent by sent by the State Department to embassies and consulates worldwide, visa officers are now instructed to consider an applicant’s health and the potential financial burden they might pose to the US healthcare system when determining eligibility.
“You must consider an applicant’s health. 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,” read the directive as reported by ABC News.
It also highlights obesity as a risk factor, citing its links to asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, conditions that may result in costly, long-term medical care.
Visa officers were instructed to determine whether candidates have “adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over their entire expected lifespan” without seeking public assistance.
The directive aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which seeks to limit both legal and illegal immigration through tougher entry requirements, refugee bans, and restrictions on green card eligibility for individuals deemed “public charges.”
Obese patient...