Barring non-citizens with HIV from becoming eligible for citizenship has serious and deadly consequences. People have died as a direct consequence of this policy.

Today all but 13 countries have recognized the injustice of such a ban: Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan, Qatar, Brunei, Oman, Moldova, Russia, Armenia, South Korea and the United States. It’s time for America to stand up for the rights of people with HIV.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to ask that you support abolishing the HIV/AIDS travel and immigration ban as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Since 1987, the United States has banned travelers with HIV from entering the country or obtaining legal U.S. citizenship. The U.S. is one of only 13 countries with such a ban, making us a leader in discrimination against those with HIV and AIDS. Other countries that ban individuals with HIV from entering the country include: Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan, Qatar, Brunei, Oman, Moldova, Russia, Armenia and South Korea.

The ban is also a violation of human rights. It flies in the face of U.N. guidelines and puts lives in unnecessary danger. For immigrants with HIV, this policy bans them from ever qualifying for a green card. This keeps people from getting tested and getting the health care and treatment they need to stay healthy and not transmit HIV to others. People have died as a direct consequence of this policy.

The American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and two Secretaries of Health and Human Services have all acknowledged that HIV entry bar is unjustifiable on public health grounds.

I hope you will abolish this ban as part of this year's PEPFAR legislation.

Campaign Launched:
March 20, 2008