Barbara Lee Hails Administration Proposed Rule to Repeal Travel Ban

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued this statement following the announcement of the Obama Administration’s decision to issue a proposed rule removing HIV from the list of diseases that can keep people who are not U.S. citizens from entering the United States.

“For more than 15 years, HIV was the only disease singled out for exclusion from the United States by an act of Congress.  The HIV ban has undermined U.S. efforts to fight the HIV pandemic and has taken a toll on families and businesses both here and abroad.

“The Obama Administration’s proposed rule to repeal the travel ban is a positive step toward finally ending this unjust and discriminatory policy. I am proud to have played a crucial role in leading the effort to end this outdated travel ban.”