In the late 19th century aliens that wanted an entry into the U.S. must undergo a medical exam as part of their immigration process. In this exam they check for any illness defined as a “communicable disease of public health significance”. These diseases are easily spread between people if they are found to have these diseases they may not enter the U.S., and HIV was one of them. On November 2, 2009 the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC removed HIV from this list that kept non U.S. citizens from entering the United State. They removed HIV because it is not spread through casual contact like hugging or shaking hands. Nor is HIV spread through the air, food or water. It is passed through unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or sharing needles or syringes used by someone with HIV. The revision of 42 CFR Part 34 (Medical Examination of Aliens) removal of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was effective on January 4, 2010. This video above is a special English health report intended for immigrants.
In 1987 HIV was listed as a “communicable disease of public health significance” Since many has attempted to remove the ban, because it was discriminatory to people living with HIV/AIDS. In 1992, President Clinton tried to do so, but he failed under the pressure from both the Republicans and Democrats. At that time, unless a discretionary waiver was granted non U.S. citizens with HIV were not permitted to enter the country legally. “In order to qualify for a green card waiver, an applicant must first prove that they have a close familial relationship – defined as a parent, child or (heterosexual) spouse – of a lawful U.S. citizen. Then they must show that their admission into the country will not endanger the public health or create burdensome public health care costs.” (http://www.champnetwork.org/hhswatch/the-united-states-hiv-immigration-ban-eliminated-not-so-fast) It was not until 2009 when Obama lifted the ban; non-citizens with HIV/ACIDS are permitted to enter the country.