In a sweeping policy shift, the United States has tightened its visa regulations, allowing consular officers to deny applications from individuals suffering from chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The move, issued through new guidance by the Department of State, aims to ensure that foreign applicants do not become a “public charge”; a term used for individuals likely to depend on government healthcare or financial assistance.
Under the directive, visa officers have been instructed to assess applicants’ health conditions alongside their financial capacity to bear long-term medical costs. The assessment will also extend to dependents, including children and elderly parents, whose care might impact an applicant’s ability to work or sustain themselves financially.
The change marks a significant expansion of health scrutiny in U.S. immigration policy, which previously focused mainly on communicable diseases and vaccination compliance. Critics argue that the new rule risks discriminating against individuals with manageable non-communicable diseases, potentially affecting students, professionals, and families seeking long-term stay or immigration.
While officials maintain that the policy is intended to protect public resources, immigration experts warn it could add uncertainty for millions of global applicants, particularly from countries like India where lifestyle diseases are prevalent.
