State Department Guidance Would Expand Health-Based Visa Denials Under Public-Charge Rule

U.S. outlets report an internal directive targeting permanent-residence applicants that officials say is meant to protect taxpayers.

Overview

Media accounts cite internal State Department guidance that would allow consular officers to treat cancer, diabetes or obesity as grounds for denial under the public‑charge standard.
NPR reports the directive applies to people seeking visas for permanent residence in the United States.
The department’s deputy spokesperson told dpa the administration prioritizes the American public and aims to prevent burdens on taxpayers.
Legal experts quoted by the Washington Post warn the instruction grants broad discretion to consular officers, potentially affecting both immigrant and non‑immigrant visa decisions.
The reported shift would expand screening beyond longstanding checks for communicable diseases and vaccination status, and it has not been issued as a publicly available rule.