No US visa to people with chronic diseases under public charge rule

The Trump administration has revived and tightened the ‘public charge’ rule that permits officials to deny US visas or permanent residency to applicants likely to become dependent on government assistance. The new changes expand the types of public benefits considered, broadening grounds for visa disqualification globally. This rule aims to reduce immigrant dependency on public aid. The direction from the State Department also means that visas to the US could be rejected based on certain medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity.

The US State Department has ordered embassies worldwide to enforce sweeping new visa screening rules under the “public charge” provision of immigration law. This move revives and seeks to expand the standards set during the first term of President Donald Trump. These had been relaxed during former president Joe Biden's tenure before Trump returned to power and took over in early 2025.The guidance also specifically advises officers to consider conditions like obesity, noting that it can lead to costly complications such as asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. All these chronic illnesses are now being assessed as potential indicators that an individual might become a future financial burden on the United States.

Immigration experts contend that this policy will dramatically reduce legal immigration for older applicants and those with common chronic illnesses. Effectively, the policy will favor the wealthiest and healthiest applicants.