US Visa Guidance Targets Obesity, Chronic Conditions

The United States has issued new guidance to its embassies and consulates worldwide directing officials to deny immigrant visas to applicants with obesity or certain chronic health conditions if they might require costly medical care that could burden public resources. The directive, circulated earlier this month by the State Department, applies to those seeking long-term residency and emphasizes preventing individuals from becoming a public charge reliant on government assistance.

Under the policy, consular officers must evaluate an applicant's health during visa interviews, focusing on conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and mental health issues. These ailments, the guidance states, can demand hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime care, including potential long-term institutionalization. Officials are instructed to assess whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover such expenses over their expected lifespan without seeking public funds. This includes considering the medical needs of dependents, such as children with disabilities or chronic...