USA to ease restrictions on HIV+ visitors?

[fozzyo]

Since July 1987 it has not been possible for anyone who is HIV+ to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme. Instead they have to apply to the US Embassy for a Visa and have an interview there - and if granted access they have "HIV+" stamped into their passport, which is very nice of them to reveal confidential medical details to the world like that.

Well on World Aids Day 2006 (1st December) President George W. Bush announced that he plans to do something about this. Details have yet to be published, but President Bush has announced "a categorical waiver for HIV-positive people seeking to enter the United States on short-term visas." The exact nature of this is not yet clearly understood.

It is hoped this means that those who are HIV+ will no longer have to go throughthe horrible interview process, or risk deportation by not declaring your HIV status. Several visitors to the US will either stop taking their medication while away, hope it doesn't get found in their luggage, or arrange with HIV+ friends in the US to take their's when they arrive.

This is certainly a step in the right direction.
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Mat

OMG I didn't realise that people that are HIV+ have to declare this before going to the USA! Well it's about time they did do something about it, probably the best thing George Bush has done! [}:)]

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
OMG I didn't realise that people that are HIV+ have to declare this before going to the USA! Well it's about time they did do something about it, probably the best thing George Bush has done! [}:)]

Oh yeah, its a total nightmare. On the VWP form I think there is a question about having a "communicable disease", of which HIV is considered one of.

Most people I've spoken to just do what the rest of us do and tick all the No's. The problem is if customs pick you out for a random search and they find, and recognise, your med's then you could have some problems.

I've got friends who go and send their meds over in the post before they arrive. Of course, some meds have to be kept refrigerated and so on, so it's a total pain in the ass.
Bloody Americans and their lovely immigration dept. (Where exactly did this HIV pandemic start, anyhow?! (Don't want to tar all of you yanks with the same brush though. "Some of my best friends are American" ya know, heheh)
I do agree tho, fozzyo... - if this does come through, it could be about the only thing Dubya's done that is worthy...

Certainly a step in the right direction Mat but no mention of HCV status (or other "communicable diseases") being reviewed or about them relaxing the rules for people with "mental disorders".

Don't be too hard on US immigration, they do provide for some humour with their forms.

Eg. Are you carrying any radioactive materials?
Answer: Now what did I do with that nuclear warhead?!?[}:)];)

VS.

PS. It's probably best not to answer like that;)[:I]

Eg. Are you carrying any radioactive materials?
Answer: Does going to Itsu for lunch count?

Cheerio, Howard

Eg. Are you carrying any radioactive materials?
Answer: Does going to Itsu for lunch count?

What should BA pax answer to that question;)[}:)]

VS.

Originally posted by VS045

Eg. Are you carrying any radioactive materials?
Answer: Does going to Itsu for lunch count?

What should BA pax answer to that question;)[}:)]

VS.

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!