Background

• According to The Body, an HIV/AIDS resource website, the United States is one of only 13 nations that have laws that ban visitors from traveling into their country because they have HIV/AIDS. This has been the policy of the United States since 1987.
  
  

Pending Legislation

• The HIV Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act of 2007 was sponsored by Democratic congresswoman Barbara Lee of California. The legislation has 41 cosponsors as of August 2010. It would effectively lift any and all travel restrictions targeting those with HIV/AIDS. The legislation has not been voted on and is currently Referred to Committee. Once it is Reported by Committee, the House and Senate will vote on the legislation.
  
  

Significance

• According to the United Nations Human Rights website, travel restrictions targeting those with HIV/AIDS violates a number of human rights, including equality, nondiscrimination, and the right to privacy. The U.S. policy further stigmatizes the disease, and isolates those who suffer from the affliction.