Key Takeaways

New guidance from Donald Trump directs visa officers to consider obesity and other chronic conditions when reviewing applicationsOfficials say these conditions may lead to high medical costs over a person’s lifetimeImmigration 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 Post.

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