The US government has introduced a new visa policy allowing officials to deny entry or permanent residency to applicants with certain chronic health conditions. The decision, issued under the Trump administration, has drawn widespread attention for its potential impact on millions of prospective immigrants.
According to the new directive, US embassies and consulates can now consider chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and respiratory or neurological disorders when assessing visa applications. Mental health and metabolic conditions are also included in the new guidelines.
Visa officers have been instructed to evaluate whether applicants can pay for their medical expenses independently. If applicants or their family members are seen as likely to rely on public healthcare or government support, their applications may be denied.
Previously, US visa medical checks mainly focused on communicable diseases, vaccinations, and a few specific mental health issues. The new policy significantly broadens that scope, giving visa officers more discretion in determining whether an applicant could become a financial burden to the country.
Critics have expressed concern that the move could lead to unfair treatment and discrimination. Charles Wheeler, from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, warned that the policy might result in “biased assumptions about medical costs.” Similarly, Georgetown University’s Sophia Genovese described the change as “troubling,” saying it could prevent people with manageable conditions from entering the country.
Medical examinations by embassy-approved doctors will continue to be mandatory. These exams include tests for communicable diseases, substance use, mental health, and vaccination history. However, under the new rules, long-term health care costs will play a much bigger role in the decision-making process.
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Analysts believe this change represents a major shift in US immigration policy. It places greater emphasis on financial independence rather than medical compassion, reshaping how health conditions are viewed in immigration evaluations.
