October 31, 2009

There has been a travel ban on immigrants and visitors with HIV since 1987. At that time, there was wide spread fear that AIDS, characterized as a “Gay disease” was spread by simple physical contact or through the air. People were irrationally afraid.

The policy was made more onerous in the early 1990s when it was codified into U.S. law. Among many things, it required an HIV test for VISA applicants and waivers were nearly impossible to receive.

As promised Obama has lifted the ban but it will take another 60 days before it is in effect.  It’s about time.

This what Obama said on October 30^th:

"Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS. Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease -- yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat.” http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/10/obama_lifts_aid.html

AIDS control relies on eliminating risky behaviors then testing and treating those infected. It is not an communicable in the usual sense like the flu.

Many will argue with the decision because of fear and prejudice. They would probably want to exclude anyone with any disease or even ban groups such as Muslims.

Finally ... When will Obama lift the “don’t ask, don’t tell” requirement? Maybe he is getting there but proof is in his actions. It's about time for action on this.