Tell HHS to End the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban

The Government is extremely close to getting rid of the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban, which prohibits individuals who are living with HIV or AIDS from immigrating to the United States, and refuses entry for travelers who are living with HIV, unless they secure a waiver. The CDC has decided to remove HIV from the list of travel restrictions. The rule is open for public comment until Monday, August 17th.

Make your voice heard today! Get in contact with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and tell them to end the ban. You can do this by following three easy steps:

1. Draft a set of comments such as those below.

2. Send an e-mail with your comments to Part34HIVcomments@cdc.gov. Please include the Docket ID, Docket Title, and RIN number, with any text that you choose.

3. For more information, please visit CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/laws_regs/fed_reg/remove-hiv/index_hiv.htm

Sample Message:

Docket ID: CDC-2008-0001
Docket Title: Medical Examination of Aliens - Removal of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection from Definition of Communicable Disease of Public Health Significance

RIN: 0920-AA26

I am writing to communicate my support for the proposed rule that would that would lift the immigration ban on visitors and immigrants living with HIV/AIDS, stop unfair mandatory HIV testing of immigrants, and remove references to HIV from the scope of examinations in its regulations.

This change will restore the U.S. as a leader in the areas of human rights, equal treatment under law, and public health. The change is needed because:

- There is no scientific or public health justification for HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence.
- Restrictions on entry, stay, and residence based on HIV status are discriminatory.
- The enforcement of HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence can, and does, violate other human rights.
- HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence can impede effective responses to HIV.

For these reasons, I support lifting the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban.

Sincerely,