The Donald Trump administration ordered immigration authorities to deem foreigners with health problems, such as obesity, or advanced age, who may pose a public burden to the country ineligible for immigrant visas, according to KFF Health News.
The U.S. Department of State sent a new directive to embassy and consulate officials expanding the list of medical conditions that may make a foreign national seeking to reside in the country ineligible.
Immigrants with obesity to be denied residency
While the U.S. has imposed health screenings for immigrant visa applicants for decades, the new guideline specifically instructs that the applicant’s “health must be considered,” according to the order cited by KFF, a health news organization.
The guideline urges visa-granting officials to consider conditions, such as obesity, which it states can cause asthma, sleep apnea and hypertension, or diabetes, among other conditions in denying the application.
“All of these conditions can require costly and prolonged medical care,” the measure notes.
In addition, officials are instructed to determine whether applicants have the resources to afford medical treatment without U.S. government assistance.
Since his first Administration, Trump and his advisors have insisted on denying permanent residency to people who may become a public charge.
The administration of former President Joe Biden (2021-2025) had overturned several of the new rules issued in the first Republican administration on public charge, which the White House is now taking up as part of its immigration policy.
The new order also seeks to deem ineligible to enter the United States a person who, because of his or her age, may be more likely to be dependent on welfare.
The guide also urges consideration of the health of family members, including children and elderly parents of applicants.
Filed under: Immigrants with obesity to be denied residency
With information from EFE
