❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. State Department issued guidance recommending that fat people be denied immigrant visas.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. State Department, foreign nationals, and the Trump administration.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Recent guidance issued by the State Department in the United States.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The Trump Administration is putting the interests of the American people first.” – State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott
🎯IMPACT: Stricter visa policies aim to reduce the strain on the US healthcare system and prioritize national security.
New guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State recommends the denial of immigrant visas for foreign nationals who are obese or overweight. According to the guidance, obesity—along with other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental-health issues—adds strain to the country’s healthcare system, causing taxpayers to incur additional costs.
Notably, the health conditions listed by the State Department often result in skyrocketing healthcare expenses, sometimes upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and prolonged hospital stays. “The Trump Administration is putting the interests of the American people first. This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer,” Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesman, said.
The guidance is part of a broader effort to tighten visa policies. For instance, the cost of H-1B visas, intended for high-skilled workers, has risen to $100,000 annually. Previously, these visas came with administrative fees totaling approximately $2,000 to $4,000. While supporters like Elon Musk have endorsed the increase, critics complain that the policy harms corporate revenue and shareholder returns.
The State Department has also maintained travel restrictions on nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, among others. A senior State Department official noted, “The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
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