The Donald Trump administration said it will restrict the issuance of residence visas for people with obesity, diabetes and mental illness.
According to Fox News and other foreign media, on the 6th (local time) the U.S. State Department sent a cable to overseas missions containing new visa screening guidelines. The guidelines say consular officers must consider an applicant's health and financial status that could make the person a "public charge" that depletes U.S. resources during visa review.
Under the new guidelines, Directors must consider whether the applicant has the financial resources to cover medical expenses over their entire expected lifespan without U.S. government assistance, and the health status of family members, including children and elderly parents.
Visa applicants already must undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy, disclose any history of mental health issues or drug and alcohol addiction, and receive vaccinations.
In particular, the State Department specified that "obesity can cause asthma, sleep apnea and high blood pressure," and said entry should be denied on that basis when assessing whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge.
On this, immigration lawyer Sophia Genovese said, "The new guidelines are stronger in that they even consider chronic diseases," and noted, "If implemented immediately, numerous problems are likely to arise during consular interviews."