Saint Lucians seeking to live in the United States may now be refused visas or green cards if they have chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The new guidance for all foreign nationals was issued by the US State Department and sent to American embassies and consulates worldwide.
The updated directive expands how officers assess visa applicants under the “public charge” rule, which traditionally focused on financial dependency. Now, a wide range of health conditions – including cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, diabetes, cancers, neurological disorders and obesity – may be considered indicators that a person could become a long-term strain on public resources.
For Saint Lucia, this policy carries added weight. The island continues to struggle with high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2021, the adult diabetes rate stood at approximately 11.7%, and health authorities have reported that more than 80% of deaths in Saint Lucia are linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, respiratory complications and diabetes.
Consular officers are now instructed to evaluate an applicant’s long-term health outlook and potential medical needs.
The move is expected to affect those seeking to migrate permanently the most. It is still uncertain how strictly the policy will be applied to temporary visas such as those for tourism or study. However, it represents a clear shift toward stricter health-based screening in determining immigration eligibility.
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