The United States government has introduced new health-based criteria that could lead to visa denials for applicants suffering from conditions like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease.

According to a new directive issued by the State Department under the Trump administration, consular officers have been instructed to assess whether foreign nationals might become a “public charge” — meaning individuals who could depend on government-funded healthcare or assistance.

The guidelines, sent via cable to American embassies and consulates, were reported by KFF Health News in Washington.

Traditionally, visa screenings have focused on communicable diseases, vaccination records, and mental health. However, the new rules broaden the scope to include chronic non-communicable conditions such as cardi

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