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| US Visa Rules / Photo File (Los Angeles Times) |
The Trump administration has introduced new visa guidelines that could make it more difficult for foreign applicants — including those from South Asia — to obtain entry into the United States. According to American media reports, the updated policy directs US embassies and consulates to consider certain medical conditions when evaluating visa applications, potentially denying visas to individuals suffering from diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or other chronic illnesses.
A newly issued State Department cable instructs visa officers to assess not only an applicant’s age and overall health but also the likelihood that they could become a financial burden on the American healthcare system. The guidance highlights that treating conditions like cancer, lung disease, and neurological disorders can cost millions of dollars, and applicants with such ailments may therefore be deemed “inadmissible” under the new criteria.
Critics say the move reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict immigration, particularly for those seen as economically or medically vulnerable. Immigration advocates have condemned the policy, calling it discriminatory and inhumane, warning that it could unfairly penalize individuals with manageable health conditions.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has defended the measure, arguing that it aims to protect taxpayers and ensure that visa applicants can “financially support themselves” without relying on public healthcare assistance.
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