State Department allows denial of immigrant visas to those with certain medical conditions

Applicants for immigrant visas to the U.S. could be rejected if they have certain medical conditions under a new State Department directive, the agency confirmed.

The policy would allow officers to deny visas to immigrants who are deemed more likely to rely on public benefits should they have medical issues.

Sent to State Department employees through an internal cable, the guidance instructed officers to consider both an applicant's health and overall financial picture when determining whether to issue a visa.

"Certain medical conditions — including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions — can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care,” the cable states.