The United States is reportedly considering new visa rules that could bar applicants with chronic health conditions — including obesity, diabetes and disabilities — from receiving long-term visas, marking a potential escalation of President Donald Trump’s immigration restrictions. The development was first reported by KFF Health News and corroborated by multiple US media outlets.
Rubio memo flags ‘long-term care’ costs
According to the reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio circulated a diplomatic cable earlier this month directing American embassies to assess whether visa applicants may require “expensive, long-term care” in the US. The memo argues that health conditions associated with ongoing treatment could create “significant public costs,” and therefore may justify denying visas, particularly for long-stay categories.
The guidance would mainly affect applicants seeking extended visas or renewals from outside the country. Rubio’s cable frames the policy as a financial safeguard, signalling a more aggressive cost-based approach to immigration screening.
Possible impact on family travel
Migration experts warn that the criteria could extend well beyond the intended targets. Although the guidance focuses on long-term visa seekers, analysts note that it may complicate travel for relatives of people already living legally in the United States. Family members hoping to join loved ones for extended visits or relocations may face tougher scrutiny depending on how consular officers interpret the medical guidelines.
Disability-rights groups have criticised the proposal, arguing that assessing visa applicants based on potential health-related costs risks undermining long-standing non-discrimination norms.
Obesity on the rise globally
The World Health Organisation estimates that more than one billion people lived with obesity in 2022, a figure influenced by changing diets, sedentary lifestyles and economic factors. With roughly 40 percent of American adults classified as obese, public health experts say the proposed health-based exclusions may appear inconsistent with the nation’s own demographic realities.
Political speech also under review
US media reports also suggest the visa review may extend to political expression. Applicants who have made public statements viewed as hostile to US foreign policy — particularly criticism related to Israel — could face visa refusal or cancellations. Analysts say such provisions would align with the administration’s broader tightening of migration pathways, which already includes restrictions on asylum, expanded deportations and heightened entry controls affecting multiple African nations.
Uncertain timeline amid expected legal challenges
The State Department has not announced a timeline for implementing the proposed measures, and US embassies have issued no public directives on the matter. Immigration lawyers anticipate significant legal challenges centred on medical privacy, discriminatory impact and the limits of consular discretion.
Rights advocates argue that the review fits a broader pattern of curbing access to the United States for vulnerable or low-income groups. With key migration policy decisions expected in 2025, the proposals are likely to intensify debate over how the US balances public spending concerns, health-risk assessments and immigration control.
