Dems And Lambda Legal Protest New HIV Travel Rules

More than two dozen Democrats in the House have sent Homeland Security a letter protesting the proposed new travel rules for HIV+ foreigners. The letter says that the so-called "streamlining" of the process of allowing HIV+ individuals to enter the United States places the burden of the decision on those lacking the necessary medical expertise. The letter goes on to complain, "There would be no appeal process. Selecting this pathway would also require applicants to waive any right to readjust their status once in the United States — a waiver not required under current policy."

Lambda Legal is on the case too, issuing a statement that reads in part: " The suggested regulations continue the stigmatizing discrimination against people living with HIV, create greater barriers to their entry into the U.S. and significantly curtail their legal rights once here. In fact, the proposed application would force applicants to waive all rights to change their visa status once in the U.S. — which would prevent them from requesting to stay longer, applying for a work visa while in the U.S., or obtaining U.S. citizenship down the road if they qualify for political asylum."