Due to new directives from the Trump administration, new visa applicants may be rejected if they have any medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or cancer. The new guidelines instruct visa officers to reject applicants based on age or health conditions, amongst other aspects. Health of the applicants’ children or parents is also considered during the process.
A recent CBS article also shares that, although assessing applicants’ health was already a part of the process, it has now become an extensive focus. Visa officials have been instructed to determine, without any medical training, if applicants are more likely to have a medical emergency or require public assistance for their condition at any point during their lifespan. Applicants of nearly all visa types will be affected by these new guidelines, though it is likely to predominantly affect those applying for permanent residency.
