Individuals Can Now Be Denied US Visa For Diabetes

• 17 Nov 2025
• 106 Views

In a significant new directive, the Trump administration has instructed US visa officers to take into consideration certain chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and depression as potential grounds for denying entry or residency to foreign nationals. 

According to a cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to US embassies and consulates worldwide on November 6, visa officers will now have wider discretion to reject applicants who are deemed likely to require expensive or prolonged medical care. 

This policy marks a major expansion of existing medical screenings that previously placed primary focus on contagious diseases. Under the new rules, applicants with conditions like heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, neurological disorders or even those applicants having mental health issues like anxiety and depression could be disqualified for the Visa. 

Critics argue that this move could unjustly target millions of people who have manageable chronic illnesses. However, the administration of Trump maintains that it is an effort to protect US taxpayers from healthcare costs that are associated with immigrants. A new directive from the Trump administration could lead to more visa denials based on health conditions. 

The guidance, which was issued recently in a cable from the State Department and obtained by The Associated Press, instructs embassy and consular officials to conduct detailed and thorough vetting of visa applicants. They must show that these applicants will not need to rely on public benefits from the government after they are admitted to the U.S.

Tommy Pigott, the State Department spokesperson, said that the Trump Administration is putting the interests of the American people first. According to him, this includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.

According to the cable, the medical conditions that could disqualify a visa applicant include chronic conditions, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases, obesity, depression, anxiety and mental health conditions that can require "hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care.

Immigrants seeking entry into the U.S. already undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by a U.S. Embassy. During this process, they are screened for checking whether they have any communicable diseases like tuberculosis and must disclose any history of drug or alcohol use, mental health issues or violent behavior. Additionally, they are required to have specific vaccinations. 

The new directive by the Trump Administration introduces more detailed requirements. The cable states that consular officials must consider various factors about visa applicants, including their age, health, family status, financial situation, education, skills and any previous use of public assistance, regardless of their home country. It also states that officials should evaluate applicants' English proficiency and this may involve conducting interviews in English.

Source: Times Now News