U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to deny visas to foreigners, including Nigerians, who are severely overweight and suffer from related health problems.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said his administration would not approve visas for individuals whose poor health could “overburden” the American healthcare system. However, he clarified that those who are only “slightly overweight” would not be affected, adding that “the bigger ones will need to trim down to get approved.”
Trump also revealed plans to extend the policy to expatriates, saying no “grossly overweight” person would be welcome in the U.S., regardless of status.
The move follows reports that U.S. embassies have received new guidelines directing consular officers to scrutinize applicants’ medical histories for conditions that may lead to high healthcare costs. The rules list obesity, heart and lung diseases, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders as potential grounds for visa denial.
Officers are now required to assess whether applicants and their dependents can cover potential medical expenses without relying on public health programs.
