Foreigners could have their US visas rejected if they are obese. The State Department said that conditions which could pose an additional burden on the state may be grounds for refusing a visa application.
A memo sent to embassies around the world urged visa officers to “consider an applicant’s health,” adding that obesity can cause conditions such as asthma, sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions should also be taken into consideration, the memo continued.
“[Such conditions] can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” and “extensive, long-term care,” the memo, seen by KFF Health News, read.
Donald Trump campaigned for re-election with a series of tough-on-immigration policies. He has pledged to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants and has dispatched members of the military and National Guard to several cities where he says local police are not doing enough to protect federal immigration agents.
His move has been controversial, sparking protests and political pushback.
The International Diabetes Federation says about 11 per cent of the world’s population has diabetes, while the World Health Organisation estimates that around 13 per cent of adults globally suffer from obesity. In the U.S., the figure is around 42 per cent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Department of State did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Telegraph.
Tommy Pigott, the principal deputy spokesman, said: “It’s no secret the Trump administration is putting the interests of the American people first. This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.” (The Telegraph)
