US Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US diplomats to begin considering obesity as one of the factors that can affect the rejection of visa applications, alongside other chronic diseases, according to POLITICO. This guideline corresponds to a stricter interpretation of the rules, better known as “public charge”.
The essence of that rule is that entry into the USA can be denied to persons who are estimated to be a financial drain on the state budget, i.e., those who rely on social programs such as financial aid or family support.
The November 6 document explained that the idea of financial independence in American politics, as well as the concept of “public charge,” has been applied for more than a century.
This topic was first pointed out by KFF Health News. Obesity is said to be associated with a higher risk of a number of health problems – including hypertension, breathing difficulties, and gallbladder disease. These conditions often require lengthy and expensive treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Also, visa officers should consider other serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, said that this measure reflects the administration’s policy, aiming to direct government resources to the needs of American citizens.
The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, explained that the US policy allows for the denial of visas to individuals who could pose a financial burden on the state. As she states, this especially applies to people who could use publicly funded healthcare in the US, which would burden the system intended for citizens. The Donald Trump administration consistently applies this practice, focusing on protecting the interests of the American population.
Since returning to power in January, Donald Trump has intensified efforts to limit both legal and illegal immigration. In that strategy, existing immigration laws are interpreted more strictly and applied more rigorously than before.
At the same time, the administration and Republicans in Congress are pushing for an ambitious goal – up to a million deportations a year. Large financial resources have been earmarked to implement that plan through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which further strengthens Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the administration’s priority is protecting the interests of American citizens. In this context, he emphasized that special attention is paid to implementing policies that prevent the imagination system from becoming a financial burden on taxpayers.
