Trump Admin Tightens Visa Rules: Applicants with Diabetes, Obesity May Face Denial

The United States has reinstated tougher visa screening rules under the "public charge" provision, marking a return to Trump-era immigration scrutiny.

The new order, issued by the US State Department to embassies worldwide, directs officials to consider a wide range of factors, including certain health conditions, when determining visa eligibility.

Expanded Definition of 'Public Charge'

Under US immigration law, the 'public charge' rule allows authorities to deny visas or green cards to individuals who are deemed likely to depend on government assistance. The Trump administration has now strengthened this rule, reviving stricter standards that had been relaxed during former President Joe Biden's tenure.

"Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy... and the public charge ground of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years," Fox News quoted the official communication cable as saying.

According to the directive, consular officers are instructed to deny visas to applicants who are deemed likely to become reliant on public benefits. The assessment will take into account health, age, English proficiency, financial situation, and the likelihood of long-term medical care or dependency.

Health to Be a Major Screening Factor

The new order highlights that medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity could influence visa decisions. ABC News reported that these conditions, while not previously disqualifying on their own, may now be viewed as indicators of potential reliance on public assistance.

"You must examine all aspects of the case... including the petition, visa application, medical report, affidavit of support, and any information uncovered in the course of screening and vetting," the cable said. It also clarified that any previous use of government cash assistance or institutionalization may count as grounds for rejection.

Expert Reactions and Scope of Implementation

Immigration experts have warned that the new rules could disproportionately affect applicants seeking permanent residency. Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, noted that while the policy technically applies to nearly all visa categories, "it is likely to be used only in cases wherein the applicants are seeking permanent residency."

The policy's revival marks a sharp turn from the Biden administration's more lenient approach and reinstates a version of Trump's earlier framework that emphasized economic self-sufficiency and minimized government dependency among immigrants.