India, Nov. 7 -- A new directive from the Trump administration has instructed US consular officers to examine the long-term health needs of people applying for visas more closely than before. The guidance, first reported by KFF Health News, says applicants may be denied entry if officials believe they are likely to require costly medical care in the United States.

The State Department cable expands the long-standing "public charge" rule, historically used to deny visas to people likely to depend on government support.

The new cable goes further. It allows officers to weigh non-communicable issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic disorders, certain cancers, neurological issues, and mental health conditions...