The United States is set to consider obesity and the presence of children with special needs as grounds for rejecting long-term immigrant visas. This move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aims to prevent individuals who might become a ‘public charge’ from entering the country. In a recent directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies to evaluate visa applicants based on factors such as obesity, which could necessitate costly long-term medical care. Additionally, embassies are to assess whether dependents have disabilities or chronic conditions that might limit the applicant’s ability to work. The policy, first reported by KFF Health News and confirmed by a source to AFP, underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers. The United States, already grappling with high obesity rates, particularly in states that supported Trump, will apply these criteria to immigration applicants but not to short-term visitors. This initiative aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to tighten immigration controls, including the deportation of undocumented migrants, even those without criminal records beyond immigration violations. Rubio has also targeted visa cancellations for individuals perceived as opposing US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
US to consider obesity, special-needs children as factors in refusing long-term visas
