US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recommended that US diplomats consider being overweight and having chronic medical conditions as grounds for denying visas to foreigners, writes Politico.
Rubio’s recommendation is a rather strict interpretation of the federal public burden law. The law bars potential immigrants from entering the country if they are expected to later need social assistance from government programs. The statement said that self-sufficiency has long been a principle of US immigration policy, and the law that allows for the denial of admission of individuals who will later need public assistance has been part of immigration law for more than a century.
The recommendation was first reported by KFF Health News. Citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the media reported that obesity in adults increases the risk of diseases, including high blood pressure, respiratory problems, gallstones and gallbladder disease. These health problems require expensive and long-term care.
According to the media, officials responsible for issuing visas should also consider denying visas to people with cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the new guidelines are part of the US administration’s efforts to redirect federal spending to the needs of its citizens. She said that
for a century, the State Department has had the right to deny visas to people who would be a burden
on local taxpayers: “President [Donald] Trump’s Administration is finally fully enforcing this policy, and putting Americans first.”
US President Donald Trump has been trying to significantly reduce both legal and illegal immigration since returning to office. His efforts also include stricter interpretation and enforcement of existing laws. Trump, along with Republicans in Congress, wants to deport a million people. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said it’s no secret that the Trump administration puts the interests of Americans first. “This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer,” Pigott added.
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