Overview
- An internal cable dated Nov. 6, verified by The Washington Post after initial reporting by KFF Health News, instructs U.S. embassies and consulates to weigh applicants’ health and finances more heavily.
- Consular officers may treat conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and some mental-health conditions as grounds for denial due to potential high costs.
- The guidance directs posts to examine the totality of circumstances, including age, number of dependents, English ability, prior use of public assistance, and to require bank, investment, and retirement documents when applicants claim personal resources.
- Officials indicate the change primarily targets immigrant and residency cases, with some reports saying certain temporary visas could be affected; humanitarian categories such as refugees are generally excluded.
- The cable was crafted by political leadership without the usual career-staff review, drawing support from the State Department and the White House and warnings from immigration advocates and lawyers about arbitrary denials and chilling effects on care-seeking.