Key Takeaways

New guidance from Donald Trump directs visa officers to consider obesity and other chronic conditions when reviewing applications

Officials say these conditions may lead to high medical costs over a person’s lifetime

Immigration experts warn the policy could make it easier for officers to deny visas based on their own judgment

FRIDAY, Nov. 14, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The Trump administration has directed U.S. visa officers to consider chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health disorders when deciding whether to approve a foreigner’s entry into the country.

The directive was shared with U.S. embassies and consulates in a Nov. 6 cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio , according to a copy reviewed by The Washington Po

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