The United States has quietly made one of the most drastic shifts in its immigration policy yet: medical conditions are now a potential deal-breaker for visa hopefuls. According to a recently issued directive from the US According to the State Department, applicants for US visas can be denied if their health conditions, including chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease or other serious conditions, indicate they could become a “public charge,” according to KFF Health News.For decades, medical screening of visa applicants was largely limited to infections and proof of vaccination. But the new leadership is rewriting that script. The memo directs consular officers to assess not only the risk of infectious diseases, but also lifetime health care cost projections and whether the visa applicant’s health may mean heavy reliance on US government resources. “Although health assessments of potential immigrants have been part of the visa application process for years, including screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and obtaining a vaccination history, experts said the new guidelines significantly expand the list of medical conditions that must be considered and give visa officers more authority to make immigration decisions based on an applicant’s health,” the media reported. People who apply to move to the US must already have a medical examination by a doctor approved by the US Embassy. During this exam, they are screened for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and asked to fill out a form about their health history — including past drug or alcohol use, mental health problems, or violent behavior. They must also show proof of multiple vaccines, such as measles, polio and hepatitis B, to ensure they are protected against infectious diseases.The list of specified diseases is extensive: cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer, metabolic and neurological disorders, mental diseases. And yes – it specifically mentions obesity as a red flag, citing its association with asthma, sleep apnea, hypertension and other costly complications. At the heart of this change is a simple question: Will this person’s medical condition become a burden on the US system? This is clearly stated in the directive. It asks: “Does the applicant have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of such care throughout his or her expected lifetime without resorting to public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at public expense?”
Who does it affect?
In practice, the guidance is expected to affect immigrant visa seekers — those hoping to settle in the U.S. permanently — more than short-term tourists or temporary workers. But the ripple effects can reach more: family members, dependents and even those applying for student or work visas can feel the pressure if their related health profiles or financial support are called into question.
