Foreigners with extremely common health conditions may be refused a visa to travel to the US after the Trump administration issued a new directive to embassies and Border Patrol officers late last week.
Dubbed the 'obesity ban' by critics, the new regulations on visa applications could see millions around the world barred from entering the country due to living with any number of widespread illnesses like diabetes or even migraines.
In issuing the new entry rules for foreign visitors, the White House is hoping to narrow the field of legal immigration to the US by handing officials additional reasons to deny a visa, which could apply to many tourists as well as people seeking permanent residency.
A community doctor with 40 years of experience, Dr Donald Grant, a senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, told UNILAD that each of the conditions outlined in the travel ban could apply to hundreds of millions of people, many of whom will already be required to take extra precautions when traveling to protect their health.
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"You must consider an applicant's health," the new instructions read. "Certain medical conditions – including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions – can require hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care."
Screening the health of migrants to the US has long been part of the visa application process, with vaccine requirements and communicable disease screening an established part of the system. But these new rules massively expand that system.
Dr Grant broke down each of these major categories of poor health facing a visa ban as a result of these new regulations, as well as how many international travelers could be affected and the steps they can take to ensure their safety.
Traveling with cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US across every category of sex and ethnicity.
Dr Grant explained: "According to 2019 figures, worldwide, over 500 million people are estimated to be living with this condition. Common types of cardiovascular disease include coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and aortic disease.
"People living with cardiovascular disease should take extra precautions when traveling abroad to ensure health and safety. Long flights can increase the risk of blood clots, so remaining hydrated, wearing compression stockings and moving regularly is strongly advised.
"Travelers should also ensure they have an adequate supply of prescribed medication in their hand luggage and copies of the prescription labels in case the medication is lost."
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Traveling with respiratory diseases
People with any form of respiratory disease are well-advised to consult their physician before traveling, as any number of likely changes involved in traveling could make their condition worse.
"Worldwide, the latest figures estimate over 450 million people live with some form of respiratory disease," the doctor detailed. "Common types of respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and infections such as pneumonia."
Living with any one of these conditions can require a great deal of preparation before heading out on a vacation. Dr Grant advised: "For travelers with respiratory diseases, they should plan their trip carefully to manage their condition and avoid potential complications.
"Consulting a doctor is important before traveling, as they can assess whether the condition is stable enough for travel. Those who rely on oxygen therapy should inform the airline well in advance, allowing for special arrangements to be made.
"Air quality, temperature and humidity can all significantly affect breathing and may trigger symptoms, so keep this in mind when traveling."
Traveling with metabolic diseases
The most common form of metabolic issue that people live with is diabetes, which can be either a genetic condition or brought on by environmental factors. While chronic, some presentations can be managed by a simple diet plan and regular blood sugar monitoring - but these travelers too face being barred from the US.
Dr Grant laid out just how common these illnesses can be, saying: "Studies indicate that around 25 percent of the adult population globally has some form of metabolic disease. Overall, the most common types include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
"Individuals with diabetes should plan for changes in meal times, physical activity and time zones, as these three factors can all impact blood glucose levels."
However, ensuring that you travel with the right medicines can make all the difference, and be one of the hardest parts of going abroad with diabetes.
The doctor went on to add: "Carrying medication and insulin in hand luggage is essential for easy access to necessary treatments. Extreme temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including insulin, highlighting the importance of using insulated travel cases."
Traveling with cancer
Every year, tourists from around the world living with cancer will make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to a number of beloved locations across America, including places like the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. However, they could now face extra hardship.
Many people will develop a form of this disease during their lifetimes, some of which can be treated, allowing patients to lead ordinary lives. Yet, with the White House raising cost concerns over health treatments, travelers could be denied entry.
Dr Grant explained what precautions sufferers should take, saying: "Cancer is one of the most widespread conditions in the world, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating one in five people will experience it at some point during their life. Common types of cancer include breast, lung and colorectal cancer, but it can occur in most parts of the body.
"Before traveling, people with cancer or a history of the condition should consult their doctor, ensuring they are fit to travel. This is particularly important for individuals currently undergoing active treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
"Some treatments can weaken the immune system, so destinations with limited medical care should be avoided. As always, travelers should ensure they have the necessary medical documentation and medications on hand throughout their travel."
Traveling with a neurological condition
Perhaps the widest category of illness included in Trump's directive to border officials and embassies was the ban facing people living with neurological conditions, which could include anything from migraines to Parkinson's and dementia.
Many people living with these conditions will already be aware of the additional precautions they need to take when going on vacation, with the exhaustion of international travel likely to make many conditions worse.
Dr Grant detailed: "Statistics reveal that neurological conditions impact more than 43 percent of the world’s population. Migraines are a common example of neurological conditions, but more threatening conditions include epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s and strokes."
He continued: "Again, it’s crucial to communicate with medical professionals, so they can assess if an individual’s condition is stable enough for travel. During travel, people with epilepsy should consider factors such as disrupted sleep and stress, which can heighten the risk of seizures, while people with Parkinson’s should consider the effect of fatigue and heat sensitivity, plus mobility challenges, while on the move."
General advice for travelers
Finally, the experienced clinician went on to provide some general advice for those with health problems when they plan a foreign trip. As ever, make sure you plan ahead appropriately.
Dr Grant said: "For people who are traveling with a serious health condition, preparation is incredibly important to reduce health risks and ensure an enjoyable trip. Consulting a medical professional is essential, but it’s equally vital to carry a sufficient supply of prescribed medication and a doctor’s letter outlining the diagnosis.
"Travel insurance is also a key element, and plans should cover pre-existing medical conditions and potential hospital treatment if necessary. Carrying emergency contact details on hand can prove life-saving in the event of an emergency."
Topics: Immigration, Donald Trump, Health, Cancer, Travel
William Morgan