Reports surfaced this week claiming that U.S. visa applicants could face increased scrutiny over health conditions when entering the country and people are understandably confused.
The POTUS on Tuesday (November 11) announced a decision that could impact certain people visiting the US.
Here’s what’s going on
The United States Department of State reportedly issued a guidelines cable this week instructing consular officers to consider denying visas to applicants with certain chronic health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, because they may risk becoming dependent on US public benefits, according to a State Department cable obtained by KFF Health News.
The new guidelines are said to be part of Trump’s crackdown on immigration to the US.
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Charles Wheeler, a senior attorney for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network told the publication that the guidance will likely only be applied to visitors seeking permanent residency in the US, as opposed to a short-term vacation.
But with that said, Wheeler expressed concerns over the guidance, which instructs officers to determine if a person’s health could cause them to seek assistance from the government.
“That’s troubling because they’re not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldn’t be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias,” Wheeler explained.
Why the timing matters
Reports that an individual’s health could influence their eligibility to enter the United States coincided with Trump’s significant announcement on public health.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 inhibitors, drugs originally developed to treat diabetes but now widely used for weight loss.
Over the past few years, they’ve surged in popularity thanks to their remarkable success in helping people lose weight, a trend amplified by celebrity endorsements and social media testimonials showcasing dramatic results.
Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office to confirm that his administration had reached an agreement with the manufacturers of the drug, a move that could change the lives of many Americans.
The president confirmed he was ‘thrilled’ to announce ‘tremendous cuts’ and ‘drastic discounts’ on GLP-1 diabetes medications for Americans who receive support on Medicare and Medicaid.
The deal which was reached with GLP-1 makers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk means Americans will save hundreds of dollars with each purchase. The drugs will be sold on a yet-to-be-launched government website, TrumpRX, as part of the deal.
Trump claimed that Wegovy’s monthly cost would be reduced from $1,350 to $250, with Zepbound falling from $1,080 to $346. Eli Lilly’s upcoming weight-loss pill, he added, will be sold for $149.
“It's a triumph for American patients that will save lives and improve the health of millions and millions of Americans,” he said.