Everything we know about Trump's 'obesity ban' as new group of citizens banned from entering US

Here is everything you need to know about Donald Trump's 'obesity ban' as a new group of citizens could be refused entry to the US.

Before being elected as the 47th POTUS, Trump promised to tackle the levels of immigration in the United States, and he's largely done so through the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Of course, the use of ICE hasn't been without controversy, as numerous protests have taken place across the US against it.

Another way Trump is trying to lower numbers is by making it more difficult for foreigners to visit or live in the US if they have certain medical conditions.

The guidance issued by Trump's State Department has detailed the criteria for the programme dubbed the 'obesity ban' by some.

The 'obesity ban' could see less people being granted access to the US (Getty Stock Photo)

What is the 'obesity plan'?

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 40 percent of Americans are obese, which can heavily increase the chance of developing Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, certain cancers and even a stroke.

Now, the Trump administration has warned people who are obese could be denied immigrant visas to the US, while those with several conditions are also at risk.

As well as being obese, those who have 'cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases and mental-health conditions' could be denied access to the US.

As per the Mail, officials are told to ask: "Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?"

What has the White House said?

While many would say the latest plans conjured up by the Trump administration are a little mad, a White House spokesperson has explained the reasoning behind the latest move to tackle immigration.

Spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the Daily Mail: "It's no secret the Trump administration is putting the interests of the American people first.

"This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer."

The Trump administration is set to implement the plans (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The impact on the visa application

Trump took steps to tighten the visa process and who can get into the US almost immediately after he got into power, but these new measures are set to make obtaining a visa even more tricky.

Expert Adriana Cadena, executive director at Protecting Immigrant Families, dubbed the policy 'dangerous', claiming it will impact immigrant families who are legally living in the US and may be re-applying for a visa.

"Its reported breadth and secrecy drive confusion and concern that deter lawfully present immigrants and US citizens in immigrant families from getting help and care for which they qualify under federal law," Cadena said as per the Associated Press.

Immigration attorney Steven Heller explained how the shift in tone by the White House means immigration officers will likely be changing their approach when it comes to approving visas.

While in the past Haller explained how officers would approach applications favorably, things may be a little different now.

"The new guidance is about messaging," he said. "They are being given clearance to use the ‘totality of the circumstances’ as a sword, rather than a shield."

UNILAD has contacted the White House for further comment.