United States Discriminates Against HIV+ People

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UNITED STATES DISCRIMINATES AGAINST HIV+ PEOPLE

While nearly a million HIV+ American citizens enjoy the freedom to leave and travel outside their country, the United States government prohibits HIV+ individuals from other countries entry to the United States! Without a doubt, this ban is the most blatant display of discrimination against HIV+ people to date! This ban continues to fuel discrimination, while a worldwide community strives to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS!

It is obvious that there is little understanding of HIV or compassion from the American government and other countries, which impose such a ban. I am a Canadian. I am OUT about my HIV infection publicly and as such, I am not allowed to visit the United States. Are individuals who are infected with HIV to be continually and indefinitely discriminated against purely on the basis of their viral infection?

At 52 years of age and HIV+ for 20 years, I am unable to enter the United States whether to visit friends or to vacation. I have been unable to submit abstracts for conferences and unable to accept invitations to participate at HIV/AIDS events held in the United States. This problem plagues many HIV+ people forcing them to lie to immigration officers and to hide their medications or worse to stop their medications, which may put them at even greater risk of developing drug resistance and illness!

Today, when families are spread out far and wide all over the world, many are not able to visit their relatives or friends who reside in the United States. Others who wish to enter the USA may have varied reasons for travel such as: seeking and/or receiving specific medical attention, attending conferences and providing HIV education and awareness.

People of all ages and from all walks of life are infected with HIV. This virus may or may not cause progression to disease or death. There are HIV+ individuals living a happy and full life with or without medications. Some individuals who engaged in drug treatments have been able to discontinue their medications for months and even years. There are infected individuals who have never had any immune suppression and have never had any HIV replicated in their bodies. There are individuals who know they are infected but who refuse to be tested for fear of discrimination. There are doctors, nurses and health care workers who were infected accidentally. Some people were infected through receiving HIV tainted blood. There are HIV+ individuals who are now seniors. Infected individuals are in loving relationships. Mothers gave birth and now, their children are grown and having children. There are HIV+ individuals who have survived since the first cases were diagnosed. Any one of the examples above is sufficient reason for removing the ban!

We are not criminals! People infected with HIV are no different from anyone else and are not asking to be different! Unfortunately, they are infected with a virus. When people hear that HIV+ individuals are banned from entering the United States, they are shocked initially and then are disgusted that access is denied on this basis.

This discriminatory ban, which prevents HIV+ individuals from entering the United States is ethically wrong and should be lifted immediately!

Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ 20 years
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
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You got a bug you ain't coming in. We have enough issue with keeping people from spreading it and don't need anyone else who might spread it as well. We are protecting our population, and I don't care how ass hurt you are about the issue. We prevent all sorts of people from coming to the US for different types of infections and diseases. There is no right to enter the US, unless you are a US citizen, it is a privilege and it will remain that way.

If Canada lets everyone and anyone in regardless of infection, it is no wonder they had a higher infection rate of SARS then the US. Could it be because you don't screen people coming into Canada?

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United States Discriminates Against HIV+ People
Other countries do not impose such a ban; recognizing the rights and freedoms of people living with HIV.

This ban has not only prevented HIV+ individuals from entering the United States but it has also meant that no International AIDS Conferences are held in the U.S.

If this ban is not lifted before the election, we will see a turn around when President Bush is defeated and Senator John Kerry is elected. He has stated he " will work to end the HIV travel and immigration ban."

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Welcome to A2K Bradford. I hope you will enjoy it here (suggestion, make sure you check out the other non-political forums which are often much friendlier).

I agree with you completely.

There is no real scientific reason for this ban. As you know people often make political decisions based on emotional reactions and fear rather than reason.

In our defense Americans are not unique in this trait.

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Baldimo wrote:

If Canada lets everyone and anyone in regardless of infection, it is no wonder they had a higher infection rate of SARS then the US. Could it be because you don't screen people coming into Canada?

I'm not going to answer to your opinion, but only to the above quote:

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate:
Canada: 0.3%
USA: 0.6%

Infected adults:
Canada: 55,000
USA: 900,000

Deaths:
Canada: 500
USA: 15,000
[all data as from 2001, provided by the CIA-world factbook]

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Population:
Canada: 32,507,874
USA: 293,027,571

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McGentrix wrote:

Population:
Canada: 32,507,874
USA: 293,027,571

Well noticed. But the percentages are still valid, you can't argue with those can you?

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who's arguing?

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Okay good, so we agree: the percentages are valid. There's a higher rate of HIV in the USA than in Canada.

So perhaps keeping HIV-infected people out of the USA doesn't help.

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It's most likely due to the fact that once someone with AIDS enters the US, they may try to seek free treatment on the tax payers dime. Also, from what I've read, it's AIDS, not HIV+ that limits ones ability to get a visa.

The only way a border guard is going to know a Canadian has HIV+ is by asking. If you say "no" you get in.

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McGentrix wrote:

It's most likely due to the fact that once someone with AIDS enters the US, they may try to seek free treatment on the tax payers dime. Also, from what I've read, it's AIDS, not HIV+ that limits ones ability to get a visa.

The only way a border guard is going to know a Canadian has HIV+ is by asking. If you say "no" you get in.

To McGentrix;

The U.S. ban prevents people who are HIV+ from visiting or immigrating. There is no distinction between HIV and AIDS as far as the ban is concerned.

Most people do not want to lie to get into the United States. If found out or if medications are found, individuals are detained, humilated, deported and entrance denied permanantly! I refuse to lie and hide my medications.

I am an individual who is working to create HIV and AIDS awareness globaly. I have received invitations to participate in educational programs in the United States but I have not been able to accept because of this ban. I do not have this problem travelling to other countries! I certainly am not wanting to enter the United States illegally or seek out free treatment ( which don't exist) on tax payers dimes!

As far as your commnet on individuals wanting access to free treatment; there are 293 million Americans and 43 million people do not have access to health care! HIV medications are not easy to access, your government does not provide them for free! Canadians and canadian organizations have been sending HIV/AIDS med's to HIV+ individuals who do not have health care and who cannot afford the drugs, since 1987. A perfect example of how the American government is not providing proper health care!

HIV+ individuals want the same rights and freedoms you do; to tavel and vaction where they choose!

I'm not suggesting HIV+ Americans not be allowed to leave the United States but it does seem like there is a double standard!

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The HIV-infected international traveler should be advised that >150 countries have established entry restrictions for those seropositive for HIV. Some countries, with the objective of stopping the spread of HIV infection at their borders, serologically screen incoming travelers, particularly those staying for extended visits. Others may deny entry to travelers carrying antiretroviral medications. These restrictions, which target mainly long-term travelers requesting residency or educational or work-related visas, are not endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and their effectiveness in limiting the spread of HIV to any given country has been challenged. Nevertheless, to avoid problems, HIV-infected travelers who plan to stay in a country for a substantial period or to work or study abroad should be aware of the policies and requirements of individual countries, usually obtainable from consular officials.(4,5) An unofficial list compiled by the U.S. Department of State can be found at http:www.travel.state.gov/HIVtestingreqs.html

link

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Quote:

"UNAIDS Criticizes HIV Travel Restrictions"
Voice of America [12.06.04]
Lisa Schlein

UNAIDS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are concerned about the increasing number of countries that impose travel restrictions requiring foreigners test for HIV prior to entry. About 60 countries - including the United States, Russia, China and many Arab countries - require mandatory testing. Most only require the restrictions on long-term visitors, such as students, workers and refugees, but some nations require exams for short-term visitors who plan on touring or conducting business. Both groups call on the 60 countries to lift their travel restrictions, which can discourage people from utilizing HIV prevention and care services, thus driving the disease underground, said Mary Haour-Knipe, HIV/AIDS coordinator for IOM. The policies also may create the false impression that HIV/AIDS is a foreign problem that can be controlled by border restrictions, she said, which could lead to a dangerous complacency in which people do not practice safe sex or take other preventative steps. "There is no public health justification for trying to keep HIV out of the country by requiring people to have a test," said Haour-Knipe. "In fact, it is counter-productive for public health. What it does is, since it excludes people who have HIV, it adds to the climate of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV." Travelers with HIV do not pose a public health threat, as HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact, she said.

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Bradford wrote:

I'm not suggesting HIV+ Americans not be allowed to leave the United States but it does seem like there is a double standard!

It isn't a double standard in the least, it is called letting US citizens into their own country, which is a right for citizens, and for all others it is a privilege.

As I stated if you have some sort of bug you can't come in. I don't care what your intentions are, it is our country and entering is a privilege not a right.

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Americans living with HIV; are free to travel to Canada and other countries, yet you don't want people infected coming into the U.S!

HIV is not spread to the general public through casual contact, the policy discriminates and it is being challenged!

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Baldimo wrote:

Bradford wrote:
I'm not suggesting HIV+ Americans not be allowed to leave the United States but it does seem like there is a double standard!

It isn't a double standard in the least, it is called letting US citizens into their own country, which is a right for citizens, and for all others it is a privilege.

As I stated if you have some sort of bug you can't come in. I don't care what your intentions are, it is our country and entering is a privilege not a right.

Baldimo,

You use the word our awfully generally. There are a lot of Americans, myself included, who don't share these irrational prejudices and fears.

Bradford, I give you my personal invitation to enter my country.

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To E-Brown

Thank you! I spent my whole life travelling and visiting in the United States. Growing up, I lived on the border; Windsor and Detroit. My whole life I have had a love for the United States and the people. Even since being diagnosed HIV+ I have travelled into the United States. But not since 1998 when I started medications. Health and finances and possible hassles at the border prevented me.

However, 20 years later, HIV+ and healthy, and an advocate globally for HIV/AIDS awareness, I want the discriminating ban lifted. Not for myself, but for the freedom of every single person living with HIV and AIDS.

In June I went to Mexico but I am not able to accept the invitations I have received from the United States.

Lets do coffee or dinner when the ban is lifted!

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Have you spread your infection to anyone else? Don't be offended it is an honest question. If you have spread your infection to others in your home country, what is to prevent you from doing the same here? We are protecting out population and you can't blame the US for that. All we have is your word that you won't engage in behavior that would lead to others getting infected, and we don't find that a valid way of preventing infection to our own citizens.

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The answer is NO

The only measure necessary to prevent the spread of HIV is safe sex! Not bans preventing HIV+ individuals entry to a country.

safe sex=disease prevention

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I'm also happily married and my partner is not HIV positive; and has been tested every year.

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United States Discriminates Against HIV+ People

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