In a directive signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visa officers are now required to consider the medical condition of applicants. The document emphasizes that "certain diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and other serious conditions, may require significant financial costs for treatment."
Additionally, obesity is viewed as an adverse factor, as it can lead to a number of diseases such as sleep apnea, hypertension, and depression. Consular services must also take into account the age of applicants, the number of dependents, and the presence of special needs or disabilities.
Sources from the publication claim that this directive was prepared without the standard coordination with relevant experts. Immigration attorney Vik Goel from Virginia noted that the new rules provide visa officers with "broad authority" to deny applications for reasons that were previously not considered sufficient for a ban.
White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that such a policy has existed for over a century and is aimed at preventing cases where foreigners could become a financial burden on U.S. taxpayers. She added that "the Trump administration places particular importance on implementing this policy, prioritizing the interests of Americans above all."
