Overview
- An internal directive instructs embassies and consulates to consider health and age in visa adjudications under the public charge standard.
- The memo lists obesity and associated conditions alongside heart, respiratory, cancer, diabetes, metabolic, neurological and psychiatric disorders as potential grounds for refusal.
- Officers are told to evaluate whether applicants and family members could impose long-term medical costs and to determine if private funds can cover lifetime treatment.
- Immigration lawyers cited in coverage expect the policy to be used mainly for applicants seeking permanent residence rather than most short-term visitors.
- Advocates warn the approach is discriminatory and impractical for nonmedical officers, and reports note the State Department has not issued a comprehensive public explanation.