New York: The Trump administration has reportedly instructed American consular offices worldwide to deem visa applicants with certain medical conditions ineligible to live in the US, citing concerns they might rely on public benefits, according to KFF Health News.

A State Department cable cited by the report directs visa officers to consider applicants' health and financial stability. Conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic and neurological disorders, mental health issues, and obesity could render applicants ineligible if they are deemed likely to need costly long-term care.

The guidance reportedly asks officers to assess whether an applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover medical expenses “over their expected lifespan” without government support and to also consider the health of dependents requiring care.

The move forms part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, expanding the definition of “public charge” to include those whose health or age might make them dependent on state resources.

Legal experts have raised concerns that visa officers lack the medical expertise to assess such conditions, warning the policy could unfairly penalise individuals with manageable illnesses.